TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 2 DOCUMENT AUTHORISATION

Home , Amorphospermum, Arytera distylis, Barred cuckooshrike, Beilschmiedia elliptica, Big Scrub, Booyong Flora Reserve

Threatened Ecological Community and

Ecological Assessment Report

Raintree Bridge, Tinana Creek

Forest Wind Project

Report FWH-04 Client: Forest Wind Holdings February 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2 METHOD ...... 6 2.1 TEC Field Survey ...... 6 2.1.1 TEC Classification Method ...... 6 2.2 Aquatic Field Survey ...... 8 3 RESULTS ...... 10 3.1 Desktop Results ...... 10 3.1.1 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ...... 10 3.1.2 Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora and Fauna ...... 12 3.2 Field Survey Results ...... 13 3.2.1 Vegetation and Flora ...... 13 3.2.2 Fauna ...... 16 3.2.3 Habitat and Site Photos ...... 24 3.2.4 Water Quality ...... 27 4 CONCLUSION ...... 28 5 REFERENCES ...... 29 APPENDIX A ...... 31 APPENDIX B ...... 32 APPENDIX C ...... 33 APPENDIX D ...... 34

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Condition Thresholds ...... 7 Table 2 Threatened Fauna and Flora Species Potentially Occurring in Proximity to Tinana Creek within the Project Area PLA ...... 12 Table 3 Key Diagnostic Characteristics of the listed TEC ...... 13 Table 4 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Condition Thresholds and Evaluation .. 14 Table 5 Threatened Fauna and Flora Species and Habitat Assessment in Relation to Raintree Bridge and Tinana Creek ...... 17 Table 6 Representative Photos ...... 24 Table 7 Water Quality ...... 27

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 – Location ...... 5 Figure 2 – Study Area ...... 9 Figure 3 – Regional Ecosystems ...... 11

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 2 DOCUMENT AUTHORISATION

Revision Rev. Date Report Details - 23 January 2020 Draft report A 21 February 2020 Final

Prepared By Reviewed By Authorised By

A. Franks P.F P. Fox M. Page

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 3

1 INTRODUCTION Fox & Co Environmental Pty Ltd (Fox & Co) undertook an assessment of a potential Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) occurring along Tinana Creek in the area of a proposed crossing at Raintree Bridge. The area immediately upstream and downstream of the existing Raintree Bridge was assessed and herein referred to as the Study Area.

Tinana Creek runs through the south western portion of the Project Area (Plantation Licence Area (PLA)) and then runs north along the western boundary of the Project Area PLA. Scrubber Creek, Sandy Creek and Coondoo Creek run into Tinana Creek in the south western portion of the Project Area PLA.

The TEC is described as Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia which is listed as Critically Endangered (CE) under the EPBC Act.

A concurrent aquatic assessment was undertaken to determine whether threatened species or habitat likely to support threatened species listed under the EPBC Act and/or Nature Conservation Act 1994 (Qld) (NC Act) was present.

The existing Raintree Bridge is located on Tinana Creek. The location of the existing bridge is shown on Figure 1.

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2 METHOD Vegetation surveys were undertaken on 9th January 2020 within approximately 50 m upstream and downstream of the existing bridge and also across the different vegetation communities. The mapped REs over the subject lot were verified in accordance with a Quaternary level CORVEG assessment (Neldner et al. 2019). Quaternary level assessments are plotless and record the dominant species in the Ecologically Dominant Layer (EDL) and other strata. Height and canopy cover are usually estimated rather than measured. Additional protected plants surveys were undertaken in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants V2.01 (DES, 2019). Refer to Figure 2 for the survey area and survey track log which was approximately 120 m along Tinana Creek and 140 m wide from the non-remnant (pine plantation) through the vegetation units in the remnant area.

The EPBC Act listed TEC assessment was undertaken with reference to Advice to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) on an Amendment to the List of Threatened Ecological Communities under the EPBC Act (EPBC Act listing advice).

Aquatic surveys were undertaken in accordance with Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Fish, 2011, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC, 2011).

2.1 TEC Field Survey

2.1.1 TEC Classification Method The field data collected was interpreted against the key diagnostic characteristics of the listed TEC which is provided in the EPBC Act listing advice, and include the following:

• Distribution of the ecological community is primarily in the New South Wales (NSW) North Coast and South Eastern Queensland bioregions, according to Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) version 7 (IBRA7). • The ecological community occurs on: soils derived from basalt or alluvium; or enriched rhyolitic soils; or basaltically enriched metasediments. • The ecological community generally occurs at an altitude less than 300 m above sea level. • The ecological community typically occurs in areas with high annual rainfall (>1300 mm). • The ecological community is typically more than 2 km inland from the coast. • The structure of the ecological community is typically a tall (20 m–30 m) closed forest, often with multiple canopy layers. • Patches of the ecological community typically have high species richness (at least 30 woody species from the EPBC Act listing advice).

The EPBC Act listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC comprises those patches that meet the key diagnostic characteristics (above) and the condition thresholds in Table 1 below. The area around the existing bridge was compared against both the key diagnostic characteristics and the condition thresholds.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 6

Table 1 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Condition Thresholds

Patch Type A B C (evidence of remnant Natural remnant evident Some residual trees from A non-remnant patch that vegetation & by the persistence of Appendix B (of the EPBC has recovered through regeneration status) mature residual trees Act listing advice) are present a) natural regeneration*1 from Appendix B (of the plus evidence of either; EPBC Act listing natural regeneration*1 AND/OR advice). b) supplementary planting AND/OR that has stature and quality regeneration with active that is reflective of the management*2 “Description” *3

AND AND AND

Patch Size ≥ 0.1 ha ≥ 1 ha ≥ 2 ha (excludes buffer zone) AND AND AND Canopy Cover Emergent/canopy/subcanopy*4 cover is ≥70% (over entire AND patch)*4

Species contains ≥40 native Richness woody species*5 from contains ≥30 native woody species*5 from Appendix A (of the Appendix A (of the (over entire patch) EPBC Act listing advice) EPBC Act listing advice) AND AND Percent of total ≥70% of vegetation ≥50% of vegetation *6 is native vegetation cover that is *6 is native native *6 (use sample plot) Notes: *1 Evidence of natural regeneration is shown by the presence of seedlings of a range of native species that did not originate through deliberate plantings. *2 A patch that is actively managed has regular (e.g. every 1–2 years) on the ground human regenerative activity such as weed control or supplementary plantings. *3 Closed canopy, 20–30 m tall, of representative species (e.g. white booyong, hoop pine, figs, brush box, yellow carabeen, red cedar, rosewood, white beech) *4 Canopy cover (projective foliage cover) is estimated over the entire patch. When assessing the ecological community, the canopy includes the emergents and subcanopy (everything above 10 m tall). Canopy/sub-canopy includes all trees and vines (native and non-native). *5 Woody species are trees, shrubs or vines that contain wood or wood fibres that consist mainly of hard lignified tissues. Excluded from woody species are graminoids, other herbs and non-woody vines. *6 Total vegetation cover includes emergents/canopy/subcanopy and understorey and ground layers.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 7

2.2 Aquatic Field Survey Dip netting was undertaken in the pools and riffles beneath Raintree Bridge and also the pools and riffles 50 m upstream and 50 m downstream of Raintree Bridge. Water quality measurements (pH, electrical conductivity and temperature) were taken, and observations were undertaken from the bank for signs of aquatic activity such as swirls or turtle / platypus movements.

Habitat assessments were undertaken to describe fauna habitats including their potential suitability for conservation significant species listed under the EPBC Act and NC Act. This involved collecting information such as structural complexity of instream and riparian habitat, sources of disturbance and any characteristics specific to the target conservation significant species identified by the desktop assessments.

A Songmeter (SM4) was deployed approximately 50 m upstream from Raintree Bridge on Tinana Creek during the ecological surveys over the Project Area PLA. The Songmeter was deployed for 5 nights during the period 27/02/2019 to 4/03/2019. The SM4 records acoustic sounds such as frogs, birds and flying-foxes.

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Data Source: Date: 24/02/2020 © State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy) 2019.

3 RESULTS

3.1 Desktop Results

3.1.1 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia All or part of the following equivalent state vegetation classifications and ecological communities are representative of the national Lowland Rainforest TEC where the requirements of the Regional Ecosystem (RE) description, key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds are met. Lowland Rainforest is not limited to these state equivalents. Qld Regional Ecosystems: • 12.3.1 Complex to simple notophyll vine forest- Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine forest) on alluvial plains (VMA Class: endangered) o Note: RE 12.3.16 and RE 12.3.17 (which are mapped within the Project Area PLA) were both previously mapped as 12.3.1 prior to updated RE mapping. • 12.5.13 Microphyll to notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii (endangered) • 12.8.3 Complex notophyll vine forest – complex notophyll vine forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks (no concern at present) • 12.8.4 Complex notophyll vine forest with Araucaria spp. on Cainozoic igneous rocks (no concern at present) • 12.8.13 Araucarian complex microphyll vine forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks (of concern) • 12.11.1 Simple notophyll vine forest often with abundant Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (“gully vine forest”) on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics (no concern at present) • 12.11.10 Notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics (no concern at present) • 12.12.1 Simple notophyll vine forest usually with abundant Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (“gully vine forest”) on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (of concern) • 12.12.16 Notophyll vine forest on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (no concern at present) Surface geology in proximity of Raintree Bridge is mapped as Quaternary Alluvium (QA), which equates to land zone 3. RE mapping over portions of Tinana Creek within the Project Area PLA describe the RE as 12.3.11/12.3.16 or 12.3.5/12.3.17. The mapping in the portion of Raintree Bridge where it crosses Tinana Creek is mapped as 12.3.11/12.3.16.

RE 12.3.16 is described as Complex notophyll to microphyll vine forest on alluvial plains and is endangered under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act). RE 12.3.17 is described as Simple notophyll fringing forest usually dominated by Waterhousea floribunda which is Of Concern under the VM Act, however has a Biodiversity Status (BD-Status) of endangered under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).

Both RE 12.3.16 and 12.3.17 fit the RE description of a representative community of the EPBC Act listed TEC, Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (12.3.1 Complex to simple notophyll vine forest- Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine forest) on alluvial plains (endangered)). RE 12.3.16 and RE 12.3.17 were both previously mapped as 12.3.1 prior to RE mapping changes. According to the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (Queensland Herbarium, 2019) RE 12.3.1 has now been split into 12.3.1a, 12.3.16, 12.3.17 and 12.3.21

Figure 3 shows the RE along Tinana Creek within the Project Area (PLA).

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 10 X

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TITLE: LEGEND *# Raintree Bridge Regional ecosystems v11 Tinana Creek Endangered - Sub-dominant Populated places X Of Concern - Dominant !( Nominated wind turbine Regional Ecosystems Of Concern - Sub-dominant Watercourse No concern at present High voltage transmission line MAP NO: Figure 3 Non-remnant, regrowth, disturbed Project Area (Plantation Licence Area (PLA)) Forest Wind Holdings Pty Ltd - Native state forest PROJECT: Raintree Bridge Survey Document Path: C:\Users\greenvale\Documents\FoxDocument Path: & Co Environmental\Projects\Forest Wind Holdings Limited\Raintree bridgePty figure\Raintree Bridge SurveyFWH_002 - Regional ecosystems.mxd

Data Source: Date: 23/02/2020 © State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy) 2019.

3.1.2 Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora and Fauna The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee has been undertaking long-term baseline surface water quality monitoring and reporting across the region. The monitoring includes Tinana Creek and other tributaries of Tinana Creek within Toolara State Forest.

These creeks typically have low dissolved oxygen, slightly acidic tannin stained waters and high electrical conductivity (Gympie Region Waterwatch Report 2016 – 2018, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, October 2018).

Previous reports have identified the likelihood of occurrence of the following threatened aquatic fauna and flora (Ecological Assessment Report, Fox & Co, 2019). Threatened flora and fauna that have the potential to occur in or along Tinana Creek within the Project Area PLA are provided in Table 2. Further assessment is provided in Section 4 regarding the likelihood of occurrence of these species associated with the water and riparian areas around Raintree Bridge.

Table 2 Threatened Fauna and Flora Species Potentially Occurring in Proximity to Tinana Creek within the Project Area PLA

Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Act1 NC Act2 GRC3 Reptiles Southern (white- Elseya albagula throated) snapping CE E - turtle

Elusor macrurus Mary River Turtle E E -

Amphibians Adelotus brevis Tusked Frog - V - Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog E E - Mammals Pteropus Grey-headed V - - poliocephalus Flying-fox Phascolarctos Koala V V LPS cinereus Ornithorhynchus Platypus - SLC LPS anatinus Fish Maccullochella mariensis Mary River cod E - LPS Nannoperca Oxleyan Pygmy E V - oxleyana Perch Neoceratodus protected species forsteri Australian lungfish V under the Qld Fish - and Oyster Act 1914 Pseudomugil mellis Honey Blue Eye V V - Crustaceans Tenuibranchiurus glypticus Swamp crayfish - E

Flora Boronia rivularis Wide Bay boronia - NT Fontainea rostrata - V V Macadamia Macadamia nut V V TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 12

Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Act1 NC Act2 GRC3 integrifolia Samadera bidwillii Quassia V V Xanthostemon oppositifolius Southern Penda V V 1 – EPBC Act: CE – Critically endangered, E – Endangered, V – Vulnerable, ( - ) Not Listed 2 - NC Act - E – Endangered, V – Vulnerable, SLC – Special Least Concern, NT – Near Threatened, ( – ) Least Concern 3 – Gympie Regional Council Local Priority Species (LPS)

3.2 Field Survey Results

3.2.1 Vegetation and Flora The vegetation community along Tinana Creek in proximity to Raintree Bridge was identified as a notophyll vine forest characterised by Waterhousea floribunda, Syzygium austral and Castanospermum australe. Based on the vegetation community, geology, land form and soils, this area equates to RE 12.3.17, which is described as Simple notophyll fringing forest usually dominated by Waterhousea floribunda. This RE is classed as Of Concern under the VM Act and Endangered under the EP Act.

RE 12.3.17 is analgous to the EPBC Act listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. The vegetation assessed does not meet all of the key diagnostic characteristics of the listed community (Table 3).

Table 3 Key Diagnostic Characteristics of the listed TEC

Key Diagnostic Assessment Distribution of the ecological community is Yes. Study area occurs within the South Eastern primarily in the NSW North Coast and South Queensland biorgeion and is within the known Eastern Queensland bioregions, according to geographic distribution of this ecological Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia community. (IBRA) version 6.1 (2004) The ecological community occurs on: soils derived Yes. Surface geology mapped as alluvium, which from basalt or alluvium; or enriched rhyolitic soils; equates to land zone 3 in the RE framework. or basaltically enriched metasediments.

The ecological community generally occurs at an Yes. Altitude less than 300 m altitude less than 300 m above sea level

The ecological community typically occurs in areas Possible. Data received from Tuan State Forest with high annual rainfall (>1300mm) weather station over a 2 year period indicate 1,180.4 mm of rainfall in 2016 and 1,230 mm of rainfall in 2017. The ecological community is typically more than Yes. The study area is more than 2 km from the 2 km inland from the coast coast The structure of the ecological community is Marginal. The height of the canopy was a maximum typically a tall (20 m–30 m) closed forest, often of 20 m. with multiple canopy layers Patches of the ecological community typically have No. 11 native woody species were identified. high species richness (at least 30 woody species from Appendix A).

The vegetation assessed at the existing Raintree Bridge crossing does not meet the key diagnostic species richness threshold (at least 30 woody species) with only 11 native woody species from Appendix A of the listing advice recorded during the survey.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 13

Table 4 Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Condition Thresholds and Evaluation

Patch Type A B C Assessment of TEC (evidence of Natural remnant Some residual trees from A non-remnant patch remnant evident by the Appendix B (of the EPBC that has recovered A vegetation & persistence of mature Act listing advice) are through Natural remnant evident by persistence of mature regeneration residual trees from present plus evidence of c) natural regeneration*1 residual trees status) Appendix B (of the either; EPBC Act listing natural regeneration*1 AND/ Refer Species list in Appendix A advice). OR AND/OR d) supplementary regeneration with active planting that has management*2 stature and quality that is reflective of the „Description‟ *3 AND AND AND Patch Size ≥ 0.1 ha ≥ 1 ha ≥ 2 ha Patch size is a long, narrow, (excludes buffer zone) fairly continuous patch along AND AND AND Tinana Creek. Study area assessed was >0.1ha. Canopy Cover Emergent/canopy/subcanopy*4 cover is ≥ 70% Canopy cover is (over entire AND over 70% (medium patch)*4 to dense)

Species contains ≥40 native No. Richness woody species*5 from contains ≥30 native woody species*5 from Appendix A Appendix A (of the (over entire (of the EPBC Act listing advice) 11 woody native species identified. EPBC Act listing patch) advice) AND AND Percent of total ≥50% of vegetation *6 is native Yes. 83% of the vegetation is native vegetation cover ≥70% of vegetation that is native *6 *6 is native (use sample plot) TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 14

Notes: *1 Evidence of natural regeneration is shown by the presence of seedlings of a range of native species that did not originate through deliberate plantings. *2 A patch that is actively managed has regular (e.g. every 1–2 years) on the ground human regenerative activity such as weed control or supplementary plantings. *3 Closed canopy, 20–30 m tall, of representative species (e.g. white booyong, hoop pine, figs, brush box, yellow carabeen, red cedar, rosewood, white beech) *4 Canopy cover (projective foliage cover) is estimated over the entire patch. When assessing the ecological community, the canopy includes the emergents and subcanopy (everything above 10 m tall). Canopy/sub-canopy includes all trees and vines (native and non-native). *5 Woody species are trees, shrubs or vines that contain wood or wood fibres that consist mainly of hard lignified tissues. Excluded from woody species are graminoids, other herbs and non-woody vines. *6 Total vegetation cover includes emergents/canopy/subcanopy and understorey and ground layers.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 15

No threatened flora species were identified during the survey. Refer Appendix A for field survey results.

3.2.2 Fauna No threatened fauna species were identified during the survey. Habitat exists along Tinana Creek for the threatened species below, however the areas immediately adjacent to and beneath Raintree Bridge are not considered core habitat or breeding habitat for any of the threatened species listed in Table 5.

A solitary Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) was observed roosting under the bridge. A colony of microbats was also observed in the existing log sleepers, however positive identification could not be made as they were deep in the crevice. It is considered likely the colony is also Eastern Horseshoe Bats given the habitat, previous records within the Project Area (PLA) (from the microbat recordings) and identification of the solitary horseshoe bat. Eastern Horseshoe Bats are not a listed threatened species under the EPBC Act or NC Act.

A pair of spectacled monarchs (Symposiarchus trivirgatus) (EPBC Act – Listed Marine, Migratory Terrestrial) were observed in the understory along Tinana Creek within the vine forest. Spectacled monarchs are a vertebrate species that commonly occur in Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC (Table 1 from TEC Listing Advice). Brown cuckoo-doves (Macropygia amboinensis) and Lewin’s honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii) were also observed during the survey below canopy height. They are also associated with lowland rainforest (TEC Listing Advice). Brown cuckoo-doves and Lewin’s honeyeaters are common Least Concern bird species and are also found in a variety of other habitats.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 16

Table 5 Threatened Fauna and Flora Species and Habitat Assessment in Relation to Raintree Bridge and Tinana Creek

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek

Southern (white- Found only in Queensland in the There is a lack of suitable shelter and Suitable habitat occurs in Tinana Creek. throated) snapping Fitzroy, Mary and Burnett Rivers and refuges (fallen trees) immediately turtle associated smaller drainages in south beneath and adjacent to Raintree eastern Queensland. It prefers Bridge. Elseya albagula permanent flowing water habitats where there are suitable shelters and No suitable habitat immediately beneath EPBC Act – CE refuges (e.g. fallen trees). and adjacent to Raintree Bridge. NC Act - E White throated snapping turtles do occur in non-flowing waters, but typically at much reduced densities (Conservation Advice, 2014) Mary River Turtle Restricted to permanent flowing There is a lack of suitable habitat (large Suitable habitat occurs in Tinana Creek. streams and large pool habitats of the pools) immediately beneath and Elusor macrurus Mary River catchment. adjacent to Raintree Bridge.

EPBC Act – E NC Act - E

Amphibians Tusked Frog Breeds in ponds and slow-moving Lack of suitable habitat immediately Suitable habitat occurs in Tinana Creek. sections of streams in rainforests, wet beneath and adjacent to Raintree Adelotus brevis sclerophyll forests and, less commonly, Bridge. dry open forest. Usually is found under EPBC Act – not logs, stones or leaf litter near puddles, listed creeks and ponds NC Act - V The call is a slow "cluck" repeated several times a minute(Curtis & Dennis, 2012). Giant Barred Frog In south-eastern Queensland, the Not recorded during the survey in the Suitable habitat occurs in Tinana Creek. Giant Barred Frog is known from location of Raintree Bridge. Doongul Creek in the Burrum River Mixophyes iteratus catchment, at scattered locations in the Not recorded on the SM4 Songmeter TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 17

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek Mary River catchment downstream to deployed approximately 50m upstream EPBC Act – E Kenilworth, the Upper Stanley River, between 27/2/2019 and 4/3/2019. NC Act - E Caboolture River and Coomera River. Occurs along shallow rocky streams in rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and farmland between 100 and 1000m or deep, slow moving streams with steep banks in lowland areas. Rainforests, Antarctic beech or wet sclerophyll forests with rainforest understorey. Mammals Grey-headed Flying- A canopy-feeding frugivore and No calls recorded on the SM4 Songmeter Suitable feeding habitat exists along fox nectarivore, which utilises vegetation deployed approximately 50m upstream Tinana Creek. communities including rainforests, between 27/2/2019 and 4/3/2019. Pteropus open forests, closed and open No known camps in the Project Area poliocephalus woodlands, Melaleuca swamps and PLA. No camps or individuals observed Banksia woodlands (DoEE, 2019). along Tinana Creek. EPBC Act – V Roost sites are typically located near NC Act – not listed water, such as lakes, rivers or the coast. Koala Scattered populations throughout Qld, May occur in remnant patches along May occur in remnant patches along including moist forests in coastal waterway corridors where suitable waterway corridors where suitable Phascolarctos areas, subhumid woodlands in habitat occurs (provided suitable habitat occurs (provided suitable cinereus southern and central regions, and connectivity). May utilise creek lines connectivity). May utilise creek lines along watercourses in semiarid such as Tinana Creek for movement such as Tinana Creek for movement EPBC Act – V eucalypt forested landscapes in the corridors within remnant vegetation. corridors within remnant vegetation. NC Act – V west. May also be found along non- riverine communities in semi-arid areas. Preferred habitat includes a range of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical forest, woodlands and semiarid vegetation types dominated by eucalyptus species. Also known to be limited to altitudes <800 m ASL and may be affected by temperature and

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 18

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek leaf moisture in the western and northern parts of its range (Department of the Environment, 2014d).

Platypus Platypus occur in freshwater systems None observed during survey. No Suitable habitat occurs in Tinana Creek. from tropical rainforest lowlands and suitable burrowing habitat immediately Ornithorhynchus plateaus of far northern Queensland to beneath or adjacent to Raintree Bridge anatinus cold, high altitudes of Tasmania and due to rock fill or flat banks. the Australian Alps. They feed in both EPBC Act – not slow-moving and rapid (riffle) parts of listed streams, but show preference to NC Act – SLC coarser bottom substrates, particularly GRC – LPS cobbles and gravel. The individuals use rocky crevices and stream debris as shelters, or they burrow under the roots of vegetation near the stream. Favoured habitat for the species includes a river or a stream with earth banks and native vegetation that provides shading of the stream and cover near the bank (Australian Museum, 2019). Fish Mary River cod The Mary River Cod occurs in three No suitable habitat immediately Suitable habitat is present in Tinana natural subpopulations (Lake adjacent to or beneath Raintree Bridge Creek Maccullochella Macdonald, Tinana Creek and due to the shallow, open pools present. mariensis Coondoo Creek upstream of Tinana Barrage, and upper Obi Obi Creek) in Water temperature in the exposed EPBC Act – E different tributary systems of the Mary shallow pools immediately adjacent to NC Act – not listed River which are isolated from one the bridge would be significantly warmer GRC - LPS another by impoundments and the than the deeper pools in the more main river channel (Conservation shaded areas of Tinana Creek. Advice, 2016). The Mary River Cod occurs mainly in pools within relatively undisturbed tributaries, preferring relatively large TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 19

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek and deep (0.8 to 3.2 m) shaded pools with abundant, slowly flowing water. Submerged logs and branches (snags) are used as cover from which to ambush prey, as resting sites, and as nesting sites (Conservation Advice, 2016). Oxleyan Pygmy Occurs in coastal Banksia-dominated No suitable habitat exists. No suitable habitat exists. Perch heath or wallum habitats. Usually inhabit waters with a high proportion Nannoperca of aquatic plant cover, i.e. between 60- oxleyana 80% (Department of the Environment, 2015k). EPBC Act – E NC Act – V

Australian lungfish The Australian Lungfish natural No emergent or submergent vegetation Possible habitat in Tinana Creek distribution is the Mary, Burnett and observed. Neoceratodus Brisbane River systems and (possibly) forsteri the Pine River system but translocated No suitable habitat beneath or populations persist in the Coomera, immediately adjacent to Raintree EPBC Act – V Condamine, Albert and Logan Rivers Bridge. NC Act – not listed (Department of the Environment, although is protected 2015m). species under the The species is restricted to areas of Qld Fish and Oyster permanent water and cannot live in Act 1914 saline waters or migrate through sea water. Still or slow-flowing, shallow, vegetated pools with clear or turbid water are required to spawn and feed. Emergent or submerged vegetation are essential for successful deposition of eggs and for providing refuges for juveniles (Department of the Environment, 2015m). Honey Blue Eye Inhabits slightly acidic (pH 4.4–6.8), pH of 6.6 is marginally within required No suitable habitat within Tinana Creek. clear and tannin-stained lakes, streams pH range however no suitable habitat in TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 20

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek Pseudomugil mellis and wetlands with sandy or muddy proximity to Raintree Bridge due to the bottoms in coastal heath (wallum) flows in Tinana Creek and riparian EPBC Act – V ecosystem. The species usually occurs vegetation (gallery forest rather than NC Act - V where there is little or no flow, and the coastal heath). fish can find shelter in dense, aquatic vegetation (Department of the Environment, 2015r). Crustaceans Swamp crayfish Reportedly world's smallest crayfish, Suitable habitat exists in Tinana Creek. Suitable habitat exists in Tinana Creek. being fully grown at 25 mm. Unlike Not recorded during survey. Not recorded during survey. other crayflish in south-east Tenuibranchiurus Queensland, fingers of claws open and glypticus close vertically rather than horizontally or obliquely. Body greyish-brown. EPBC Act – not Difficult to find due to small size, listed cryptic colouration and well-developed NC Act - E burrowing habits (Qld Museum, 2019). Paperbark swamps and shallow drainage channels. Prefers to burrow into damp clay but is occasionally found in peaty sand. Woodgate, Qld, south to at least southern Brisbane area (Qld Museum, 2019). Flora Wide Bay boronia Known to occur only on Fraser Island Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Suitable habitat exists in Tinana Creek. and in the Cooloola area. Grows to 5m Creek. Not recorded during survey. in height and found in damp gullies on Boronia rivularis the banks of creeks, usually in the Not recorded during survey in shade of trees. May flower from Spring vegetation around Raintree Bridge. EPBC Act – not listed to late Summer. NC Act - NT

Fontainea rostrata Fontainea rostrata is a tree or shrub Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Suitable habitat is present along Tinana growing 7–12 m tall and is known from Creek. Creek. ten sites in the Gympie district, EPBC Act – V Teddington Weir and Mt Theebine Not recorded during survey in TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 21

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek NC Act - V near Glenwood, in Queensland, vegetation around Raintree Bridge. covering a distance of 100km (BRI collection records, n.d.). This species occurs in notophyll vine forest on soil derived from metamorphic rock (DoE, 2020). The main potential threats to Fontainea rostrata include clearing of vegetation, fire, invasion by weeds, and potential impacts of stochastic events due to restricted distribution. Macadamia nut The Macadamia Nut is a medium-sized Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Suitable habitat is present along Tinana tree which can grow to approximately Creek. Creek. 20 m tall with a similar crown width, Macadamia giving the tree a rounded shape. The Not recorded during survey in integrifolia Macadamia Nut grows in remnant vegetation around Raintree Bridge. rainforest, preferring partially open EPBC Act – V areas such as rainforest edges (DoE, NC Act - V 2020).

Quassia Endemic to Queensland and occurs in Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Suitable habitat is present along Tinana lowland rainforest most commonly but Creek. Creek. can also be found in other forest types. Samadera bidwillii Commonly found in areas adjacent to Not recorded during survey in watercourses. Found on a range of soil vegetation around Raintree Bridge. EPBC Act – V types including lithosols, skeletal soils, NC Act - V loam soils, sands, silts and sands with clay subsoils (DoE, 2019).

Quassia is endemic to Queensland and is currently known to occur in several localities between Scawfell Island, near Mackay, and Goomboorian, north of Gympie. Quassia has been confirmed as occurring in at least 40 sites. Included within this range are a number of populations along the Mary TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 22

Site Observations and Assessment Species Habitat Preference Study Area – Raintree Bridge Tinana Creek River; Tinana Creek, Tallegalla Weir, Teddington Weir pondage, and from Teddington Weir to Tiana Barrage (DoEE, 2019). Southern Penda It is known from Kin Kin-Boreen Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Suitable habitat is present along Tinana Point–Cooroy District, near Noosa; Creek. Creek. Teddington Weir, south of Xanthostemon Maryborough; and Granite Creek and Not recorded during survey in oppositifolius Broken Creek, south-west of Miriam vegetation around Raintree Bridge. Vale (DoE, 2019). EPBC Act – V In southern locations, southern penda NC Act - V occurs predominantly in riparian communities on slightly acid clayey sands to sandy clays derived from sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks. Associated vegetation includes notophyll vine forest, simple notophyll mixed tall closed forest with Araucaria cunninghamii var. cunninghamii (hoop pine) emergents or in transitional rainforest where the upper stratum is composed mostly of tall sclerophyll elements with rainforest species restricted to a developing understorey or mid-storey (DoE, 2019). At Granite Creek sites, it occurs on hillside on metasediments or old volcanic rocks in araucarian notophyll vine forest (DoE, 2019).

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 23

3.2.3 Habitat and Site Photos Tinana Creek upstream and downstream of Raintree Bridge consists of a series of slow moving pools and riffles. The creek would experience high flows during and immediately following high- rainfall events, however, it generally experiences low-flow conditions. The creek immediately downstream of Raintree Bridge consists of a shallow pool approximately 15 m x 8 m and up to 0.3 m deep. It has a substrate of sandy gravel with no submergent or emergent vegetation. A small slightly deeper pool exists immediately upstream of the bridge which is approximately 8 m x 8 m and up to 1.0 m deep. The creek upstream and downstream of these pools is approximately 80% shaded however the two pools immediately adjacent to the bridge are exposed to direct sunlight due to the clearing for the existing bridge.

Waterhousia floribunda (weeping lilly pilly) is the dominant large riparian tree growing up to 20 m tall along the banks and overhanging the creek. Table 6 provides representative photos of the habitat and vegetation along Tinana Creek in the location of Raintree Bridge.

Table 6 Representative Photos

Habitat Description Plate Tinana Creek upstream of Raintree Bridge

Tinana Creek downstream of Raintree Bridge

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 24

Habitat Description Plate Shallow pool (15m x 8m x 0.3m deep) with small rock weir immediately downstream of the existing Raintree Bridge.

A solitary Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) was observed roosting under the bridge. A colony of microbats was also observed in the existing log sleepers, however positive identification could not be made as they were deep in the crevice. It is considered likely the colony is also Eastern Horseshoe Bats given the habitat, previous records (27/2 – 4/3/2019) and identification of the solitary horseshoe bat.

Eastern Horseshoe Bats are not a listed threatened species under the EPBC Act or NC Act. Aquatic fish were targeted using a fine mesh dip net.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 25

Habitat Description Plate A single concrete footing exists in the middle of the creek. Photo taken looking upstream, left and right side of the concrete footing.

The creek is narrow, shallow and rocky under the existing bridge.

Crimson spotted rainbow fish, empire gudgeon, mosquito fish (introduced), freshwater shrimp and freshwater crayfish were captured in the pools either side of the existing bridge.

Large freshwater mussel shells were observed on the banks.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 26

3.2.4 Water Quality Water quality is consistent with the long-term monitoring data of representative creeks throughout the HQ Plantations pine forests in Toolara State Forest with the following parameters recorded during the survey.

Table 7 Water Quality

Parameter Tinana Creek - Raintree Bridge (9 Tinana Creek upstream (TIN380) January 2020) (60 samples) pH 6.60 6.92

EC (uS) 403 382

Temperature oC 25.9 21.5

EC = Electrical conductivity

Tinana Creek in the vicinity of Raintree Bridge experiences high to low flows. The creek was under low-flow conditions during the survey on 9th January 2020.

The long-term monitoring data for Tinana Creek also demonstrates low dissolved oxygen (Gympie Region Waterwatch Report 2016 – 2018).

Refer to Appendix D for an extract of long-term water quality results from Tinana Creek (sample location upstream from Study Area) (Gympie Region Waterwatch Report 2016 – 2018).

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 27

4 CONCLUSION The vegetation in the area immediately surrounding Raintree Bridge along Tinana Creek is currently mapped as RE 12.3.17 (Of Concern under the VM Act and endangered under the EP Act) and is described as Simple notophyll fringing forest usually dominated by Waterhousea floribunda.

Surveys undertaken in January 2020 confirmed that the area near Raintree Bridge on Tinana Creek is RE 12.3.17 (described as Simple notophyll fringing forest usually dominated by Waterhousea floribunda). The RE is analgous to the EPBC Act listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. The vegetation assessed at the existing Raintree Bridge crossing does not meet the species richness condition threshold for the listed community with only 11 native woody species from Appendix A of the listing advice recorded during the survey rather than the minimum 40 species required for remnant vegetation patches.

Habitat exists along Tinana Creek for a range of EPBC Act and NC Act listed threatened flora and fauna. Whilst there is potential for species to move up and down Tinana Creek beneath Raintree Bridge (as there are no existing barriers to movement presented by the present bridge), the area beneath and immediately adjacent to Raintree Bridge is not considered core habitat or breeding habitat for listed threatened species. No threatened flora was identified during the survey.

A pair of spectacled monarchs (Symposiarchus trivirgatus) (EPBC Act – Listed Marine, Migratory Terrestrial) were observed in the understory along Tinana Creek within the vine forest. Spectacled monarchs are a vertebrate species that commonly occur in Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia TEC (Table 1 from Listing Advice). Brown cuckoo-doves (Macropygia amboinensis) and Lewin’s honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii) were also observed during the survey below canopy height. They are also associated with lowland rainforest (TEC Listing Advice). Brown cuckoo-doves and Lewin’s honeyeaters are common Least Concern bird species. They are also found in a variety of other habitats.

A colony of microbats was identified living beneath the bridge between the log crevices. It is likely the bats are Eastern Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) given one solitary individual was identified although it was separate to the actual colony. Whilst they are not a listed threatened species under the EPBC Act or NC Act, they are considered colonial breeders and therefore an approved Species Management Program under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 will be required prior to tampering with the breeding place.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 28

5 REFERENCES https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/mammals/platypus/. Accessed 12/8/2019.

Queensland museum (2020), https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Animals+of+Queensland/Crustaceans/Rare+or+thr eatened+crustaceans/Swamp+Crayfish#.Xif8hMgzaUk accessed January 2020

Curtis, L. K., & Dennis, A. J. (Eds.). (2012). Queensland’s Threatened Animals. Collingwood, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

Department of the Environment (2020). Elusor macrurus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:28:53 +1100.

Department of the Environment (2020). Fontainea rostrata in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:43:59 +1100.

Department of the Environment (2020). Macadamia integrifolia in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 3 Mar 2020 12:55:20 +1100.

Department of the Environment (2020). Maccullochella mariensis in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:05:05 +1100.

Department of the Environment (2020). Mixophyes iteratus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 18:30:43 +1100

Department of the Environment. (2015k). Nannoperca oxleyana. Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat

Department of the Environment. (2015m). Neoceratodus forsteri. Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat

Department of the Environment. (2015r). Pseudomugil mellis. Retrieved January 20, 2015, from http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat

Department of the Environment (2019). Pteropus poliocephalus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 6 Aug 2019 16:53:52 +1000.

Department of the Environment. (2014d). Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT). Retrieved from http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat

Department of the Environment (2019). Samadera bidwillii in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:21:06 +1000.

Department of the Environment (2019). Xanthostemon oppositifolius in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 27 Aug 2019 13:01:59 +1000.

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 29

Gympie Region Waterwatch Report 2016 – 2018, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, October 2018

Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Dillewaard, H.A., Ryan, T.S., Butler, D.W., McDonald, W.J.F, Addicott, E.P. and Appelman, C.N. (2019) Methodology for survey and mapping of regional ecosystems and vegetation communities in Queensland. Version 5.0. Updated March 2019. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (December 2014), Conservation Advice, Elseya albagula (White-throated snapping turtle)

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (December 2016), Conservation Advice, Maccullochella mariensis (Mary River Cod)

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 30

APPENDIX A Vegetation and Flora Field Data

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 31 Raintree Bridge, Tinana Creek Flora Survey Data – 9 January 2020

App App Family Taxon Status Declared WONS A B Blechnaceae Doodia caudata (Cav.) R.Br. Pteridaceae Adiantum hispidulum Sw. var. hispidulum Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis (Cav.) Bremek. Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile (R.Br.) Radlk. Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata R.Br. Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. Araceae Spirodela oligorrhiza (Kurz) Hegelm. Asteraceae Ageratum houstonianum * Mill. Asteraceae Centipeda minima (L.) A.Braun & Asch. subsp. minima Asteraceae Crassocephalum crepidioides * (Benth.) S.Moore Asteraceae Erechtites valerianifolius * (Link ex Spreng.) DC. forma valerianifolius Asteraceae Erigeron pusillus Nutt. * Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis L. Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis (G.Forst.) A.DC. Casuarinaceae Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. subsp. cunninghamiana Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa Burm.f. Commelinaceae Tradescantia fluminensis * Vell. Cyperaceae Cyperus trinervis R.Br. Cyperaceae Isolepis cernua (Vahl) Roem. & Schult. Euphorbiaceae Mallotus claoxyloides (F.Muell.) Muell.Arg. Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica L. Hemerocallidaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum (R.Br.) A.Cunn. ex Hook. Juncaceae Juncus usitatus L.A.S.Johnson Lauraceae Cinnamomum oliveri F.M.Bailey Lauraceae Cryptocarya triplinervis R.Br. var. triplinervis Lauraceae Endiandra discolor Benth. Lauraceae Neolitsea dealbata (R.Br.) Merr. Laxmanniaceae Lomandra hystrix (R.Br.) L.R.Fraser & Vickery App App Family Taxon Status Declared WONS A B Laxmanniaceae Lomandra longifolia Labill. Leguminosae Castanospermum australe (Fabaceae) A.Cunn. ex Mudie Leguminosae Acacia disparrima (Mimosaceae) M.W.McDonald & Maslin subsp. disparrima Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor (Blume) Forman Moraceae Ficus coronata Spin Moraceae Trophis scandens (Lour.) Hook. & Arn. subsp. scandens Myrsinaceae Embelia australiana (F.Muell.) F.M.Bailey Myrtaceae Angophora leiocarpa (L.A.S.Johnson ex G.J.Leach) K.R.Thiele & Ladiges Myrtaceae Corymbia intermedia (R.T.Baker) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson Myrtaceae Eucalyptus siderophloia Benth. Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Myrtaceae Leptospermum brachyandrum (F.Muell.) Druce Myrtaceae Lophostemon suaveolens (Sol. ex Gaertn.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh. Myrtaceae Melaleuca salicina Craven Myrtaceae Syzygium australe (H.L.Wendl. ex Link) B.Hyland Myrtaceae Waterhousea floribunda (F.Muell.) B.Hyland Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. Passifloraceae Passiflora suberosa subsp. * litoralis (Kunth) Port.-Utl. ex M.A.M.Azevedo et al. Phyllanthaceae Glochidion ferdinandi (Muell.Arg.) F.M.Bailey Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus virgatus G.Forst. Phyllanthaceae Synostemon albiflorus (F.Muell. ex Muell.Arg.) Airy Shaw Poaceae Echinochloa colona (L.) Link * Poaceae Echinochloa telmatophila P.W.Michael & Vickery Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus (R.Br.) Roem. & Schult. Poaceae Ottochloa gracillima C.E.Hubb. Poaceae Paspalidium distans (Trin.) Hughes Poaceae Paspalum conjugatum * P.J.Bergius App App Family Taxon Status Declared WONS A B Poaceae Pseudoraphis spinescens (R.Br.) Vickery Polygalaceae Polygala paniculata L. * Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens (R.Br.) K.L.Wilson Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides DC. Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa (Fenzl) Benth. Ripogonaceae Ripogonum album R.Br. Rubiaceae Gynochthodes jasminoides (A.Cunn.) Razafim. & B.Bremer Rubiaceae Pavetta australiensis Bremek. Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus (A.Rich.) Radlk. var. pseudorhus Solanaceae Solanum chrysotrichum * Schltdl. Solanaceae Solanum nodiflorum Jacq. * Verbenaceae Lantana camara L. * 3 w Verbenaceae Verbena litoralis Kunth var. * litoralis Violaceae Viola banksii K.R.Thiele & Prober Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea (F.Muell.) Domin Vitaceae Cissus antarctica Vent.

Declared Qld Biosecurity Act 2014.

1 must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours of the sighting, take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of it spreading

2 must be reported within 24 hours Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23

must not be distributed either by sale or gift, or released into the environment

3 Invasive plant must not be distributed either by sale or gift, or released into the environment

4 must not be moved

5 must not be kept

TEC Thresholds

Woody Species from Appendix A of the TEC Listing Advice

Persistent Residual Trees from Appendix B of the TEC Listing Advice

WONS Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act 1999. Australia 1999.

w listed as a weed of national significance under the Commonwealth's Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act.

All WONS have individual national strategic management plans. Management of lantana (WONS) should be un accordance with established national plan (Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-2027, Invasive Plants and Animals Committee, 2017).

Estimated Way Vegetation Estimated Canopy Canopy Dominant or Codominant species Subdominant species Associated species Structure RE TEC point Layer Cover Height (metres) 89 T1 sparse 15-20 Angophora leiocarpa, Corymbia intermedia Eucalyptus siderophloia Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest 12.3.11 N/A

90 E 26 Eucalyptus tereticornis T1 medium to dense 15-20 Waterhousia floribunda Syzygium australe, Castanospermum Endiandra discolor closed forest 12.3.16 No. Does not meet australe Condition Thresholds for Woody Species

T2 medium to dense 8 to 15 Waterhousia floribunda Syzygium australe, Castanospermum Casuarina cunninghamiana, Neolitsea australe, Endiandra discolor dealbata, Glochidion ferdinandi, Ficus coronata, Melaleuca salacina, Cryptocarya triplinervis T3 sparse to medium 3 to 8 T3 spp. S sparse 1 to 3 T spp. Pavetta australiensis, Sauropus albiflora, Leptospermum brachyandrum G sparse to dense 0-1 Lomandra hystrix Cyperus trinervis, Isolepis cernua, Juncus usitatus, Oplismenus aemulus, Persicaria hydropiper Paspalidium distans, Pseudoraphis spinescens

Structure terms derived from Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Dillewaard, H.A., Ryan, T.S. and Butler, D.W. (2017) Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland. Version 4.0. Updated May 2017. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, Brisbane. Taxa derived from Census of the Queensland Flora 2018 , Environment and Science, Queensland Government

APPENDIX B Searches

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 32

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.

Report created: 23/01/20 14:49:40

Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements

This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

Coordinates Buffer: 5.0Km

Summary

Matters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: 1 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 2 Listed Threatened Species: 39 Listed Migratory Species: 16

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.

Commonwealth Land: None Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 22 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Australian Marine Parks: None

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

State and Territory Reserves: 1 Regional Forest Agreements: None Invasive Species: 27 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None

Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) [ Resource Information ] Name Proximity Great sandy strait (including great sandy strait, tin can bay and tin can Within 10km of Ramsar

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. Name Status Type of Presence Coastal Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) Forest of New Endangered Community may occur South Wales and South East Queensland ecological within area community Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Critically Endangered Community may occur within area Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour may occur within area Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern [1001] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen's Fig-Parrot [59714] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon (southern) [64440] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Name Status Type of Presence Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted Button-quail [923] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fish Maccullochella mariensis Mary River Cod [83806] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Nannoperca oxleyana Oxleyan Pygmy Perch [64468] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Neoceratodus forsteri Australian Lungfish, Queensland Lungfish [67620] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Frogs Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog, Southern Barred Frog [1944] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Insects Argynnis hyperbius inconstans Australian Fritillary [88056] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat [183] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll, Digul [Gogo-Yimidir], Wijingadda Endangered Species or species habitat [Dambimangari], Wiminji [Martu] [331] likely to occur within area

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Endangered Species or species habitat (southeastern mainland population) [75184] may occur within area

Petauroides volans Greater Glider [254] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable Species or species habitat South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) known to occur within area [85104] Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo (SE Mainland) [66645] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Plants Acacia attenuata [10690] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Bosistoa transversa Three-leaved Bosistoa, Yellow Satinheart [16091] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Cossinia australiana Cossinia [3066] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Name Status Type of Presence Cryptocarya foetida Stinking Cryptocarya, Stinking Laurel [11976] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Cupaniopsis shirleyana Wedge-leaf Tuckeroo [3205] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Fontainea rostrata [24039] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Fontainea venosa [24040] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut Tree, Smooth- Vulnerable Species or species habitat shelled Macadamia, Bush Nut, Nut Oak [7326] likely to occur within area

Macrozamia pauli-guilielmi Pineapple Zamia [5712] Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Phaius australis Lesser Swamp-orchid [5872] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Samadera bidwillii Quassia [29708] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Reptiles Delma torquata Adorned Delma, Collared Delma [1656] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink [1420] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Elseya albagula Southern Snapping Turtle, White-throated Snapping Critically Endangered Species or species habitat Turtle [81648] known to occur within area

Elusor macrurus Mary River Turtle, Mary River Tortoise [64389] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Furina dunmalli Dunmall's Snake [59254] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Marine Species Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Terrestrial Species Cuculus optatus Oriental Cuckoo, Horsfield's Cuckoo [86651] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Name Threatened Type of Presence Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Migratory Wetlands Species Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose [978] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Name Threatened Type of Presence Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch [610] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Name Threatened Type of Presence Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Reptiles Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Tinana Creek QLD

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of Presence Birds Anas platyrhynchos Mallard [974] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin [399] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove [780] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Frogs Rhinella marina Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Name Status Type of Presence Equus caballus Horse [5] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat, Norway Rat [83] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Plants Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush, Boneseed [18983] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata Bitou Bush [16332] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Cryptostegia grandiflora Rubber Vine, Rubbervine, India Rubber Vine, India Species or species habitat Rubbervine, Palay Rubbervine, Purple Allamanda likely to occur within area [18913] Lantana camara Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large- Species or species habitat leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red Flowered likely to occur within area Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage [10892] Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium Weed, Bitter Weed, Carrot Grass, False Species or species habitat Ragweed [19566] likely to occur within area

Salvinia molesta Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, Kariba Species or species habitat Weed [13665] likely to occur within area

Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Madagascar Species or species habitat Groundsel [2624] likely to occur within area

Reptiles Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko [1708] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ramphotyphlops braminus Flowerpot Blind Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, Species or species

Name Status Type of Presence Cacing Besi [1258] habitat may occur within area

Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and if time permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with point locations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental data layers.

Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04 or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull); or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mapping process (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliable distribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Coordinates

-25.88948 152.75371

Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns -eBird Australia -Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre -Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory -Australian Government National Environmental Science Program -Australian Institute of Marine Science -Reef Life Survey Australia -American Museum of Natural History -Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania -Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania -Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

Wildlife Online Extract

Search Criteria: Species List for a Specified Point Species: All Type: All Status: All Records: Confirmed Date: Since 1980 Latitude: -25.8899 Longitude: 152.7553 Distance: 5 Email: [email protected] Date submitted: Thursday 23 Jan 2020 11:56:00 Date extracted: Thursday 23 Jan 2020 12:00:08 The number of records retrieved = 52

Disclaimer

As the DSITIA is still in a process of collating and vetting data, it is possible the information given is not complete. The information provided should only be used for the project for which it was requested and it should be appropriately acknowledged as being derived from Wildlife Online when it is used. The State of Queensland does not invite reliance upon, nor accept responsibility for this information. Persons should satisfy themselves through independent means as to the accuracy and completeness of this information. No statements, representations or warranties are made about the accuracy or completeness of this information. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility for this information and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Feedback about Wildlife Online should be emailed to [email protected] Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria latopalmata broad palmed rocketfrog C 2 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria gracilenta graceful treefrog C 1 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria fallax eastern sedgefrog C 3 animals amphibians Myobatrachidae Uperoleia fusca dusky gungan C 2 animals birds Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus funereus yellow-tailed black-cockatoo C 1 animals birds Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike C 1 animals birds Campephagidae Coracina papuensis white-bellied cuckoo-shrike C 1 animals birds Climacteridae Cormobates leucophaea metastasis white-throated treecreeper (southern) C 1 animals birds Columbidae Geopelia striata peaceful dove C 1 animals birds Coraciidae Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird C 1 animals birds Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis fan-tailed cuckoo C 1 animals birds Dicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo C 1 animals birds Eurostopodidae Eurostopodus mystacalis white-throated nightjar C 1 animals birds Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala noisy miner C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's honeyeater C 1 animals birds Meropidae Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater C 1 animals birds Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian pipit C 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler C 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush C 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler C 1 animals birds Petroicidae Microeca fascinans jacky winter C 1 animals birds Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus temporalis grey-crowned babbler C 1 animals insects Nymphalidae Hypocysta adiante adiante orange ringlet 1 animals insects Nymphalidae Acraea andromacha andromacha glasswing 1 animals insects Pieridae Belenois java teutonia caper white 1 animals mammals Petauridae Petaurus norfolcensis squirrel glider C 1 animals ray-finned fishes Percichthyidae Maccullochella mariensis Mary River cod E 1/1 plants land plants Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile pastel flower C 1/1 plants land plants Asteraceae Rutidosis murchisonii C 1/1 plants land plants Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa wandering jew C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Chorizandra sphaerocephala C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Cyperus trinervis C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Isolepis cernua nodding club rush C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Lepidosperma longitudinale pithy swordsedge C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Cyperus polystachyos var. polystachyos C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale C 2/2 plants land plants Cyperaceae Schoenus apogon var. apogon C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Lepironia articulata C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Baumea teretifolia C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Rhynchospora rubra C 1/1 plants land plants Cyperaceae Cyperus laevis C 1/1 plants land plants Dilleniaceae Hibbertia vestita C 2/2 plants land plants Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus ash quandong C 1/1 plants land plants Lauraceae Cryptocarya macdonaldii McDonald's laurel C 1/1 plants land plants Lauraceae Cassytha filiformis dodder laurel C 1/1

Page 1 of 2 Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 23/01/2020 at 12:00:08 Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records plants land plants Lauraceae Endiandra discolor domatia tree C 1/1 plants land plants Myrtaceae Leptospermum brachyandrum weeping tea-tree C 1/1 plants land plants Orchidaceae Eriochilus cucullatus C 1/1 plants land plants Restionaceae Sporadanthus caudatus C 1/1 plants land plants Rubiaceae Opercularia diphylla C 1/1 plants land plants Zamiaceae Macrozamia pauli-guilielmi E E 2/2

CODES I - Y indicates that the taxon is introduced to Queensland and has naturalised. Q - Indicates the Queensland conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The codes are Extinct in the Wild (PE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (C) or Not Protected ( ). A - Indicates the Australian conservation status of each taxon under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The values of EPBC are Conservation Dependent (CD), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (XW) and Vulnerable (V). Records – The first number indicates the total number of records of the taxon for the record option selected (i.e. All, Confirmed or Specimens). This number is output as 99999 if it equals or exceeds this value. The second number located after the / indicates the number of specimen records for the taxon. This number is output as 999 if it equals or exceeds this value.

Page 2 of 2 Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 23/01/2020 at 12:00:08

APPENDIX C Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia Listing Advice

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 33

Advice to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) on an Amendment to the List of Threatened Ecological Communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) 1 Name of the ecological community Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia The ecological community was nominated as Lowland Subtropical Rainforest on Basalt and Alluvium in North East NSW and South East Queensland. The Committee has determined the name of the ecological community to be Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. In the new name „Subtropical‟ has been used to describe the climatic zone where the ecological community generally occurs within eastern Australia, rather than the specific type of rainforest that comprises the ecological community. Throughout this document the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia is often abbreviated to the „Lowland Rainforest‟ or „the ecological community‟. Much of the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community is listed as endangered in New South Wales as „Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions‟ and „Lowland Rainforest on floodplain in the NSW North Coast Bioregion‟ (DECC, 1999, 2006); and as „of concern‟ or „endangered‟ under a number of Regional Ecosystems in Queensland (for more detail, see Section 6. National Context – Relationships to State-listed ecological communities and state vegetation classifications, below). 2. Public Consultation A technical workshop with experts on the ecological community was held in June 2010. The nomination and a technical report, based on the workshop outcomes, were made available for public exhibition and comment for a minimum 30 business days. The Committee has had regard to all public and expert comment that was relevant to the consideration of the ecological community. 3. Summary of conservation assessment by the Committee The Committee provides the following assessment of the appropriateness of the ecological community‟s inclusion in the EPBC Act list of threatened ecological communities. The Committee judges that the ecological community has been demonstrated to have met sufficient elements of: Criterion 1 to make it eligible for listing as endangered, Criterion 2 to make it eligible for listing as critically endangered, Criterion 3 to make it eligible for listing as endangered; and Criterion 4 to make it eligible for listing as endangered. The highest category for which the ecological community is eligible to be listed is critically endangered.

Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia listing advice - Page - 1 of 31

4. Description Location The ecological community primarily occurs from Maryborough in Queensland to the Clarence River (near Grafton) in New South Wales (NSW). The ecological community also includes isolated areas between the Clarence River and Hunter River such as the Bellinger and Hastings valleys. The ecological community occurs in the following Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia Version 6.1 (IBRA) Bioregions: South Eastern Queensland Bioregion and NSW North Coast Bioregion. Physical environment The ecological community occurs on basalt and alluvial soils, including sand and old or elevated alluvial soils as well as floodplain alluvia. It also occurs occasionally on enriched rhyolitic soils and basaltically enriched metasediments. Lowland Rainforest mostly occurs in areas <300 m above sea level. Aspect can result in the ecological community being found at >300 m altitude on north-facing slopes, but typically 300 m defines the extent of the lowlands. In addition, Lowland Rainforest typically occurs in areas with high annual rainfall (>1300 mm). The physical environment where the ecological community occurs is differentiated from the EPBC listed Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia ecological community (hereafter referred to as Littoral Rainforest) by the level of coastal or estuarine influence (such as windshear). Lowland Rainforest typically occurs more than 2 km from the coast, however, it can (and does) intergrade with Littoral Rainforest in some coastal areas. Vegetation structure The ecological community is generally a moderately tall (≥20 m) to tall (≥30 m) closed forest (canopy cover ≥70%). Tree species with compound leaves are common and leaves are relatively large (notophyll to mesophyll). Typically there is a relatively low abundance of species from the genera Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Casuarina. Buttresses are common as is an abundance and diversity of vines. Lowland Rainforest has the most diverse tree flora of any vegetation type in NSW (Floyd, 1990a) and the species composition of the canopy varies between local stands and between regions (Keith, 2004). The ecological community typically has high species richness (≥ 30 woody species from Appendix A). The canopy comprises a range of tree species but in some areas a particular species may dominate e.g. palm forest, usually dominated by Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (bangalow palm) or Livistona australis (cabbage palm); and riparian areas dominated by Syzygium floribundum (syn. Waterhousea floribunda) (weeping satinash/weeping lilly pilly). The canopy is often multilayered consisting of an upper, discontinuous layer of emergents, over the main canopy and subcanopy. Below the canopy is an understorey of sparse shrubs and seedlings. The upper, discontinuous layer includes canopy emergents that may be 40–50 m tall and have large spreading crowns. This layer is composed of species such as Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine), Ficus spp. (figs), Lophostemon confertus (brushbox), and in some sites, Eucalyptus spp.. Typically non-rainforest species such as eucalypts and brushbox comprise <30% of canopy emergents. The canopy/subcanopy layer contains a diverse range of species. Representative species include: hoop pine, figs, Argyrodendron trifoliolatum/Heritiera trifoliolata (white booyong), Castanospermum australe (black bean), Cryptocarya obovata (white walnut, pepperberry),

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Dendrocnide excelsa (giant stinging tree), Diploglottis australis (native tamarind), Dysoxylum fraserianum (rosewood), Dysoxylum mollissimum (red bean), Elattostachys nervosa (green tamarind), Endiandra pubens (hairy walnut), Flindersia schottiana (bumpy ash, cudgerie, silver ash), Gmelina leichhardtii (white beech), Neolitsea australiensis (bolly gum), Neolitsea dealbata (white bolly gum), Sloanea australis (maiden‟s blush), Sloanea woollsii (yellow carabeen), Toona ciliata (red cedar), and epiphytes such as Platycerium spp. and Asplenium australasicum (bird‟s nest fern). In areas where the canopy is lower (<25 m) due to coastal or estuarine influences the Littoral Rainforest ecological community typically replaces the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. The understorey contains a sparse layer of species such as Cordyline stricta (narrow-leaved palm lily), Linospadix monostachya (walking stick palm), Neolitsea dealbata (white bolly gum), Notelaea johnsonii (veinless mock olive), Pittosporum multiflorum (orange thorn), Triunia youngiana (native honey-suckle bush), Wilkiea austroqueenslandica (smooth wilkiea) and Wilkiea huegeliana (veiny wilkiea) as well as seedlings of a variety of canopy species. A variety of vines may be present such as Calamus muelleri (lawyer vine), Cissus antarctica (native grape vine, water vine), Cissus hypoglauca (giant water vine), Dioscorea transversa (native yam), Flagellaria indica (whip vine), Morinda jasminoides (sweet morinda), Pandorea floribunda (wonga wonga vine) and Smilax australis (sarsaparilla). Ferns such as Adiantum hispidulum (rough maidenhair fern), Doodia aspera (rasp fern), Lastreopsis decomposita (trim shield fern) and Lastreopsis marginans (bordered shield fern, glossy shield fern) may also be present. Fauna The diversity of rainforest plants and the high nutritional content of their fruits and leaves provide the foundation for the high diversity of animals in the ecological community. This is a direct reflection of the high nutrient soils and moist environment occupied by this rainforest type. Remnants and regenerating patches of Lowland Rainforest provide important habitat and food resources for a range of fauna. In turn the Lowland Rainforest flora also relies on the native fauna for pollination and seed dispersal. Lowland Rainforest is characterised by a high proportion of frugivorous birds, epiphyte and litter foraging vertebrates, micro- and mega-chiropteran bats, and a broad range of invertebrate groups associated with the decomposition cycle (such as insects and snails). Vertebrate species that commonly occur in Lowland Rainforest are listed in Table 1.

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Table 1. Vertebrate species that commonly occur in Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community. Frogs Lechriodus fletcheri Fletcher‟s frog Litoria chloris red-eyed tree frog Mixophyes iteratus* giant barred frog Reptiles Bellatorias major land mullet Cacophis krefftii dwarf crowned snake Hypsilurus spinipes southern forest dragon Ophioscincus truncatus yellow-bellied legless-skink Saltuarius swaini southern leaf-tailed gecko Saproscincus challengeri* orange-tailed shadeskink Birds Carterornis leucotis white-eared monarch Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush Coracina lineata* barred cuckoo-shrike Orthonyx temminckii Australian logrunner Pitta versicolor noisy pitta Podargus ocellatus* marbled frogmouth Ptilinopus magnificus* wompoo fruit-dove Ptilinopus regina* rose-crowned fruit-dove Sericulus chrysocephalus regent bowerbird Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian figbird Symposiachrus trivirgatus spectacled monarch Tregellasia capito pale-yellow robin Turnix melanogaster* black-breasted button-quail Mammals Antechinus subtropicus subtropical antechinus Melomys cervinipes fawn-footed melomys Nyctimene robinsoni* eastern tube-nosed bat Nyctophilus bifax* eastern long-eared bat Pteropus alecto black flying-fox Thylogale stigmatica* red-legged pademelon

Lowland Rainforest has an influx of birds in the cooler months (mainly April to September) from higher altitudes (Holmes, 1987; Osborne, 1991). These species include the regent bowerbird, Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (eastern spinebill), Columba leucomela (white-

 Threatened species (see: Appendix D)

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headed pigeon), Dicrurus bracteatus (spangled drongo), Gerygone mouki (brown gerygone), Lopholaimus antarcticus (topknot pigeon), Petroica rosea (rose robin), Pachycephala pectoralis (golden whistler), Ptilonorhynchus violaceus (satin bowerbird), Rhipidura albiscapa (grey fantail), and Zoothera lunulata (Bassian thrush). Frugivorous species present throughout the year include the Australasian figbird, wompoo fruit-dove, Ailuroedus crassirostris (green catbird), Alisterus scapularis (Australian king-parrot), Lalage leucomela (varied triller), Macropygia amboinensis (brown cuckoo-dove), Meliphaga lewinii (Lewin‟s honeyeater) and Strepera graculina (pied currawong) (Holmes, 1987). The relationships between the Lowland Rainforest ecological community and associated fauna is emphasised by the distributional limits of some vertebrate species aligning with the distributional limit of the ecological community. The rose-crowned fruit-dove (Vulnerable in NSW), although widely distributed in subtropical rainforest, reaches its southern breeding limit in the lower Clarence Valley and does not occur regularly south of the Hunter River (NSW Scientific Committee, 2008). The southern limit of the marbled frogmouth, white- eared monarch and eastern tube-nosed bat also align with the southern limit of the ecological community (Milledge pers. comm. 2010). The northern limits of distribution of some other rainforest vertebrates align with the northern limit of the ecological community. These include the green catbird, southern forest dragon, Hoplocephalus stephensii (Stephen‟s banded snake), Ptiloris paradiseus (paradise riflebird), Saproscincus rosei (Rose‟s shadeskink) and Thylogale thetis (red-necked pademelon) (Milledge pers. comm. 2010). Several other rainforest vertebrates are also endemic to the latitudinal extent of the ecological community but also extend to higher elevations. These include the subtropical antechinus, Menura alberti (Albert‟s lyrebird) and Philoria loveridgei (Loveridge‟s frog) (Milledge pers. comm. 2010). 5. Key Diagnostic Characteristics and Condition Thresholds It is recognised that many examples of the ecological community now occur in a degraded or disturbed state. In some cases, the degradation is irreversible, or the potential for rehabilitation is limited or impractical. For example, areas previously dominated by Lowland Rainforest that are now permanently converted to cropland or development are unlikely to be rehabilitated back to a condition that reaches the „Description‟ requirements. National listing focuses legal protection on patches of the ecological community that are most functional, relatively natural (as defined by the „Description‟) and in relatively good condition. Condition thresholds help identify both the ecological community and ecological function using a set of criteria that assist in indicating when the EPBC Act is likely to apply to an ecological community. They provide guidance for when a patch of a threatened ecological community retains sufficient conservation values to be considered as a Matter of National Environmental Significance, as defined under the EPBC Act. This means that the referral, assessment and compliance provisions of the EPBC Act are focussed on the most valuable elements of Australia‟s natural environment, while heavily degraded or modified patches will be largely excluded.

 For more information on Matters of National Environmental Significance see: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/index.html

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Although very degraded or modified patches are not protected as the ecological community listed under the EPBC Act, it is recognised that patches that do not meet the condition thresholds may still retain important natural values and may have the potential to be rehabilitated to a point where they meet the condition thresholds. Therefore, these patches should not be excluded from recovery and other management actions. Condition thresholds are determined in consultation with experts on the particular ecological community. They include a range of criteria such as: diversity of native species present; vegetation structure and cover attributes; level of weed invasion; patch size; and proximity to other native vegetation remnants. The key diagnostic characteristics of the listed ecological community are:  Distribution of the ecological community is primarily in the NSW North Coast and South Eastern Queensland bioregions, according to Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) version 6.1 (2004).  The ecological community occurs on: soils derived from basalt or alluvium; or enriched rhyolitic soils; or basaltically enriched metasediments.  The ecological community generally occurs at an altitude less than 300 m above sea level.  The ecological community typically occurs in areas with high annual rainfall (>1300mm).  The ecological community is typically more than 2 km inland from the coast.  The structure of the ecological community is typically a tall (20 m–30 m) closed forest, often with multiple canopy layers.  Patches of the ecological community typically have high species richness (at least 30 woody species from Appendix A).

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Condition thresholds: The listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community comprises those patches that meet the key diagnostic characteristics (above) and the condition thresholds (below). Patch Type A B C (evidence of Natural remnant Some residual trees from A non-remnant patch that remnant evident by the Appendix B are present has recovered through vegetation & persistence of mature plus evidence of either; a) natural regeneration*1 regeneration residual trees from natural regeneration*1 status) Appendix B. AND/OR AND/OR b) supplementary planting regeneration with active that has stature and quality

management*2 that is reflective of the „Description‟ *3

AND AND AND Patch Size ≥ 0.1 ha ≥ 1 ha ≥ 2 ha (excludes buffer AND AND AND zone) Canopy Cover (over entire Emergent/canopy/subcanopy*4 cover is ≥ 70% patch)*4 AND Species contains ≥ 40 native Richness woody species*5 from contains ≥ 30 native woody species*5 from Appendix A Appendix A (over entire AND patch) AND Percent of total vegetation cover ≥70% of vegetation ≥50% of vegetation *6 is native that is native *6 *6 is native (use sample plot) Notes: *1 Evidence of natural regeneration is shown by the presence of seedlings of a range of native species that did not originate through deliberate plantings. *2 A patch that is actively managed has regular (e.g. every 1–2 years) on the ground human regenerative activity such as weed control or supplementary plantings. *3 Closed canopy, 20–30 m tall, of representative species (e.g. white booyong, hoop pine, figs, brush box, yellow carabeen, red cedar, rosewood, white beech) *4 Canopy cover (projective foliage cover) is estimated over the entire patch. When assessing the ecological community, the canopy includes the emergents and subcanopy (everything above 10 m tall). Canopy/sub-canopy includes all trees and vines (native and non-native). *5 Woody species are trees, shrubs or vines that contain wood or wood fibres that consist mainly of hard lignified tissues. Excluded from woody species are graminoids, other herbs and non-woody vines. *6 Total vegetation cover includes emergents/canopy/subcanopy and understorey and ground layers.

A patch is defined as a discrete and continuous area of the ecological community. However, a patch may include small-scale disturbances, such as tracks or breaks, watercourses or small- scale variations in vegetation that do not significantly alter its overall functionality (functionality here refers to processes such as the movement of wildlife and pollinators, the dispersal of plant propagules, activities of seed and plant predators and many others).

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Patches of Lowland Rainforest that remain today and meet the condition thresholds (above) are typically in varying states of condition as a result of landuse history in the area. A natural remnant is a patch of native vegetation that remains after the surrounding area has been cleared or modified (patch type A). It contains persistent residual/mature trees of which many, but not all, pre-date clearing. A natural remnant is a largely undisturbed patch of native vegetation that has a high species richness with relatively little weed infestation. The second patch type (B) recognised in the condition thresholds has some residual/mature trees (not necessarily original/pre-clearing) and there is evidence of natural regeneration and/or active management. The third patch type (C) reflects the ability of this ecological community to regenerate in some circumstances, either naturally or through human intervention. There may not be any mature/large trees but it must be 2 ha or more in size and regeneration is evident. Regeneration (natural or through supplementary planting) must be of stature and quality that reflects the „Description‟ of the ecological community (i.e. tall, closed forest with representative species composition and species diversity, as well as a relatively low weed component in all layers). It is likely that a patch may be comprised of a combination of these patch types such as a small natural remnant surrounded by regeneration. The sampling protocol involves developing a quick/simple map of the vegetation condition, diversity, landscape qualities and management history (where possible) of the site. For sites ≤ 2 ha evaluate the entire site for canopy cover and species richness. For sites >2 ha use sample plots of 50  20 m to obtain a representative sample of the site including any different patch types. An appropriate sampling strategy should be used that captures the diversity of the site and recognises any variation e.g. due to topography. The Lowland Rainforest ecological community has a relatively high potential for rehabilitation and natural regeneration. Rainforests are dynamic communities that can regenerate naturally following disturbance and structural damage. Some rainforest species store viable seed in the soil (although viability varies between species) but more commonly rainforest species rely on rapid germination and seedlings in the understorey1 (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). As canopy gaps appear, the availability of light removes any suppression to seedling growth. The inclusion of patches of natural and managed regeneration (with ≥30 species from Appendix A) as part of the ecological community is due to the particular ability of this ecological community to regenerate. Degraded patches that are actively managed (i.e. weeds removed and/or supplementary planting) are capable of re- establishing an area and supporting a basic ecologically functional state. In addition to the patch a minimum buffer zone that extends 50 m beyond the trunks of the outermost trees in the patch is defined to assist in the preservation of the patch. Fifty metres is the maximum likely height of a tree in the ecological community. The 50 m buffer zone will encompass an area large enough to protect the root zone of edge trees. The buffer zone will also help protect the ecological community from spraydrift (fertiliser, pesticide or herbicide sprayed in adjacent land) and other threats. The purpose of the buffer zone is to protect and manage the patch and to help avoid potential significant impacts to the ecological community. Its purpose is not specifically to extend the patch through regeneration, although this would be beneficial. If the use of an area (e.g. grazing land) that adjoins a patch of the ecological community is going to be intensified (e.g. intensified grazing or changed to cropping) then approval under

1 It is not uncommon for seedlings within this ecological community to be suppressed in the understorey.  For more information on Matters of National Environmental Significance see: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/index.html

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the EPBC Act may be required. Changes in land-use to the land that falls within the buffer zone must not have a significant impact on the ecological community, but there are exemptions for continuing use. Surrounding environmental and landscape context The condition thresholds outlined above are the minimum level at which patches are to be considered under the EPBC Act for actions that may require referral to the Australian Government. These thresholds do not represent the ideal state of the ecological community. Patches that are larger, more species rich and less disturbed are likely to provide greater biodiversity value. Additionally, patches that are spatially linked, whether ecologically or by proximity, are particularly important as wildlife habitat and to the viability of those patches of the ecological community into the future. Therefore, in the context of actions that may have „significant impacts‟ and require approval under the EPBC Act, it is important to consider the environment surrounding patches that meet the condition thresholds. Some patches that meet the condition thresholds occur in isolation and require protection, as well as priority actions, to link them with other patches. Other patches that are interconnected to similar native vegetation associations that may not, in their current state, meet the condition thresholds have additional conservation value. In these instances, the following indicators should be considered when assessing the impacts of actions or proposed actions under the EPBC Act, or when considering recovery, management and funding priorities for a particular patch:  Large size and/or a large area to boundary ratio – larger area/boundary ratios are less exposed and more resilient to edge effect disturbances such as weed invasion and other human impacts;  Evidence of recruitment of key native plant species or the presence of a range of age cohorts (including through successful assisted regeneration);  Good faunal habitat as indicated by patches containing mature (persistent residual) trees, logs, watercourses, diversity of landscape, contribution to movement corridors;  High species richness, as shown by the variety of native species;  Presence of listed threatened species;  Areas of minimal weeds and feral animals, or where these can be managed;  Connectivity to other native vegetation remnants or restoration works. In particular, a patch in an important position between (or linking) other patches in the landscape; and/or,  Patches that occur in areas where the ecological community has been most heavily cleared and degraded, or that are at the natural edge of its range.

 For more information on Matters of National Environmental Significance see: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/index.html

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6. National Context The area where Lowland Rainforest occurs has significant biodiversity values. It is located in the McPherson Macleay Overlap, contains the Big Scrub rainforest, supports World Heritage Rainforest and includes the Border Ranges which is one of Australia‟s National Biodiversity Hotspots. The core of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community is in the Big Scrub region near Lismore. This lowland area has been heavily cleared due to its highly fertile basalt soils. The ecological community also extends to the north and the south and includes lowland areas mainly on fertile basalt soils but also some areas on enriched sand, rhyolite and basalt enriched metasediments. Floristically, the ecological community also centres around the core area of the Big Scrub. Rainforests of this region are characterised by the following species; white booyong, black bean, native tamarind, white bolly gum, pepperberry, figs, red cedar and bangalow palm. However, the outlying patches of the ecological community (in areas such as the Bellinger and Hunter valleys) intergrade with drier rainforests and include the following species: hoop pine; whalebone tree; silky oak; and, small-leaved tuckeroo. The ecological community is generally not described as dry rainforest but may include intergrades with dry rainforest and other rainforest types that meet the key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds. Distribution The ecological community primarily occurs from Maryborough in Queensland to the Clarence River (near Grafton) in NSW. The ecological community also includes isolated areas between the Clarence River and Hunter River such as the Bellinger and Hastings valleys. The ecological community occurs in the following IBRA Bioregions (V. 6.1): SE Qld Bioregion and NSW North Coast Bioregion. The ecological community is known to occur in the following Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Catchment Management Authority (CMA) regions: SE Queensland Catchments, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Northern Rivers and Hunter-Central Rivers. The latitudinal distribution of the ecological community is confined by recognised dry corridors in both the north and the south. A low rainfall corridor associated with the absence of subcoastal highlands, which in the humid areas ensure orographic rainfall eastwards, occurs north of Gladstone to Rockhampton (Webb and Tracey, 1981; Adam, 1992). The Hunter Valley also acts as a dry corridor south to the Hawkesbury sandstone around Sydney. These corridors separate the Lowland Rainforest ecological community from more tropical rainforest in the north and the transitional rainforests in the south. The ecological community does not include the rainforest on Queensland‟s sand islands such as Fraser Island as the rainforests on these islands have a closer affinity to Littoral Rainforest. However, it does occur on alluvial sands accumulated from terrestrial sources elsewhere. The ecological community does not include rainforest found further south, such as in the Illawarra region. Rainforests in the Illawarra region generally occur at higher altitudes (Mills, 1987) and are characterised by different species. With increasing altitude rainforest also become less diverse and structurally simpler (Adam, 1992). The Illawarra is beyond the southern limits of Floyd‟s (1990a) Argyrodendron trifoliolatum alliance which is typical in the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. The Illawarra region is the northern limit to many southern cool temperate rainforest species. Many of the species common in the Lowland Rainforest ecological community are not found in the Illawarra as they do not survive the lower temperatures (Mills, 1987).

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The Macpherson Macleay Overlap spans the Queensland NSW border, from the Macpherson Ranges in the north to the Macleay River in the south (Webb and Tracey, 1981). Much of the rainforest in the Overlap is part of the Mount Warning shield which extends between Beenleigh on the northern edge of the shield and the Richmond River on the southern edge. The Overlap region has a high diversity and a large area of Lowland Rainforest, including the Big Scrub (Webb and Tracey, 1981). The rainforests of the Mount Warning shield are particularly important for conservation of both rare plants and species of ecological significance. Twenty-three rainforest plant species are endemic to the Border lowlands and adjacent low ranges and approximately 200 rainforest species are either at their northern or southern limits on the Mount Warning shield (Lott and Duggin, 1993). Similar ecological communities Littoral Rainforest and Lowland Rainforest have some overlap in species composition. Littoral Rainforest typically has lower stature than Lowland Rainforest due to maritime influences including windshear. Species diversity and the abundance of vines, buttresses, ground ferns and epiphytes are lower in Littoral Rainforest. In some circumstances there are also more sclerophyllous species such as Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Banksia as well as salt tolerant species. The major canopy species in Littoral Rainforest are: Podocarpus elatus (plum pine, brown pine), Ficus obliqua (small-leaved fig), F. macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig), Drypetes deplanchei (yellow tulip, grey boxwood), Cryptocarya triplinervis var. triplinervis (brown laurel, three-veined cryptocarya), Cupaniopsis anacardioides (tuckeroo), Acmena hemilampra (Syzygium hemilamprum – broad-leaved lilly pilly, blunt satinash), Acmena smithii (Syzygium smithii – lilly pilly, lillipilly satinash), Lophostemon confertus (brushbox) and Syzygium luehmannii (riberry, cherry satinash) (Floyd, 1990a). These areas will usually also have salt tolerant species such as Acronychia imperforata (logan apple), Alectryon coriaceus (beach alectryon), Cupaniopsis anacardioides (coastal tuckeroo) and Macaranga tanarius (macaranga) present. The Listing Advice for Littoral Rainforest and Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia contains a more complete list of flora and fauna (TSSC, 2008). Wet sclerophyll forests that occur adjacent to Lowland Rainforest are characterised by a tall, open, sclerophyllous tree canopy of Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum), E. microcorys (tallowwood) and E. pilularis (blackbutt) and an understorey of soft-leaved,shrubs, ferns and herbs. Many understorey plants are rainforest species or have close rainforest relatives. This type of forest is often found at the margin of the Lowland Rainforest, usually on the more exposed and drier areas. Emergents such as Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum), Lophostemon confertus (brush box), Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine) and E. acmenoides (white mahogany) occur more frequently than in Lowland Rainforest. Wet sclerophyll forest may have an understorey of rainforest species but the emergent, non- rainforest species of >30% (DECC, 2007) is greater than that found in Lowland Rainforest. Wet sclerophyll forest relies on fire for regeneration of some species. The understorey of wet sclerophyll forest typically consists of palms in the poorly drained valley floors or small trees and shrubs such as Elaeocarpus reticulatus (blueberry ash), Brachychiton acerifolius (flame tree) and Backhousia myrtifolia (grey myrtle) in the better drained areas (DECCW, 2005).

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Dry rainforests that occur adjacent to Lowland Rainforest tend to have no palms and fewer fern and herbs species than Lowland Rainforest, but more shrubs and vines in the understorey (Keith, 2004). Dry rainforests occur where the soil moisture and nutrients are less than areas that support Lowland Rainforest. Typically these rainforests occur in rough terrain and rocky substrates (Keith, 2004) and at higher altitudes than Lowland Rainforest. Dry rainforest is characterised by canopy species such as Alectryon subcinereus (wild quince), Backhousia sciadophora (shatterwood) and Brachychiton discolor (lacebark tree) (Keith, 2004). Relationships to State-listed ecological communities and state vegetation classifications All or part of the following equivalent state vegetation classifications and ecological communities are representative of the national Lowland Rainforest ecological community where the requirements of the Description, Key diagnostic characteristics and Condition thresholds are met. Lowland Rainforest is not limited to these state equivalents. Qld Regional Ecosystems:  12.3.1 Complex to simple notophyll vine forest- Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine forest) on alluvial plains (endangered)  12.5.13 Microphyll to notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii (endangered)  12.8.3 Complex notophyll vine forest – complex notophyll vine forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks (no concern)  12.8.4 Complex notophyll vine forest with Araucaria spp. on Cainozoic igneous rocks (no concern)  12.8.13 Araucarian complex microphyll vine forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks (of concern)  12.11.1 Simple notophyll vine forest often with abundant Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (“gully vine forest”) on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics (no concern)  12.11.10 Notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics (no concern)  12.12.1 Simple notophyll vine forest usually with abundant Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (“gully vine forest”) on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (of concern)  12.12.16 Notophyll vine forest on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (no concern) New South Wales Ecological Communities listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995:  Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions (Endangered)  Lowland Rainforest on floodplain in the NSW North Coast Bioregion (Endangered)

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Relationships to other vegetation classifications The ecological community corresponds, entirely or in part, to the following vegetation classifications: National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) (v. 3.1):  Major Vegetation Group (MVG) 1: Rainforest and vine thickets  Major Vegetation Subgroup (MVS) 2: Tropical or subtropical rainforest Webb (1968):  Rainforest of Provinces A1 and A2 – Southern Queensland and New South Wales  Rainforest of Provinces C1 – coastal lowlands and adjacent ranges of southern Queensland for just north of Brisbane to Mackay (with extensions north and south) Keith (2004):  Subtropical Rainforests  Northern Warm Temperate Rainforests Floyd (1990b):  Argyrodendron trifoliolatum Alliance Suballiance 1: Argyrodendron trifoliolatum Suballiance 2: Toona – Flindersia Suballiance 3: Cryptocarya obovata – Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus spp – Araucaria. Suballiance 4: Elaeocarpus grandis, Suballiance 5: Castanospermum australe – Dysoxylum muelleri Suballiance 6: Archontophoenix – Livistona  Dendrocnide excelsa – Ficus spp. Alliance Suballiance 15: Ficus spp. – Dysoxylum fraserianum – Toona – Dendrocnide Drypetes australasica – Araucaria cunninghamii Alliance Suballiance 21: Araucaria cunninghamii Suballiance 22: Flindersia spp. – Araucaria Suballiance 23: Ficus – Streblus – Dendrocnide – Cassine,  Castanospermum – Waterhousea floribunda Alliance Suballiance 24: Castanospermum – Grevillea robusta Suballiance 25: Streblus – Austromyrtus Suballiance 26: Waterhousea floribunda – Tristaniopsis laurina  Ceratopetalum apetalum Alliance Suballiance 33: Ceratopetalum/Schizomeria Argyrodendron/Sloanea

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Heritage In 1986 a number of rainforest reserves located on the Great Escarpment of eastern NSW, known as the Australian East Coast Sub-tropical and Temperate Rainforest Parks were inscribed on the World Heritage list for their outstanding natural universal values:  as an outstanding example representing major stages of the earth‟s evolutionary history;  as an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes and biological evolution; and  containing important and significant habitats for the in situ conservation of biological diversity. Large extensions, including reserves in south-east Queensland, were listed in 1994. In 2007 the World Heritage Committee agreed to the new title of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (DEWHA, 2010a). The listing of Gondwana Rainforests includes 42 separate reserves located between Newcastle and Brisbane with only areas of reserved Crown land included (DEWHA, 2010a). There is some overlap of the World Heritage listing of Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community listing. Areas in reserves such as Main Range National Park, Border Ranges National Park, Lamington National Park and Nightcap National Park are included in the World Heritage listing and also contain significant patches of the ecological community. However, there are also numerous smaller patches of the ecological community which lie outside reserves, and therefore the World Heritage listing. These smaller areas make up a significant number of the remaining patches of the ecological community. They are also valuable stepping-stones and corridors between the larger rainforest reserves, yet they have continued to be susceptible to a number of threats as they have had little or no protection.

7. Relevant Biology and Ecology The protection of ecological communities or species alone will not be effective unless the ecological processes that sustain them are maintained (Bennett et al., 2009). Many types of ecological processes sustain biodiversity. These include climate processes, primary productivity, hydrological processes, formation of biophysical habitats, interactions between species, movement of organisms and natural disturbance regimes (Bennett et al., 2009). Movement of organisms within and between ecological communities occur at different spatial and temporal scales depending on size, behaviour and ecology of the species concerned (Bennett et al., 2009). Movements of animals may occur: i) on a daily basis for activities such as foraging, avoiding predators, or for social interactions; ii) to allow individuals to track resources that vary irregularly in space and time; iii) to undertake large-scale seasonal migrations; iv) to access resources at different life-cycle stages, such as moving to or from breeding sites; and v) for newly independent individuals to disperse and establish in a new location. Movements fulfil a variety of roles that contribute to the survival and successful reproduction of individuals and persistence of populations. Movements by organisms also are critical to interspecific interactions such as mutualisms (pollination, seed dispersal), predation, parasitism and competition, which influence the composition of communities (Bennett et al., 2009). For the Lowland Rainforest ecological community, the movement of some vertebrate fauna is affected by the distance between remnants and consequently the dispersal of some plant

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species is affected by the mobility of their animal dispersers. For example, plant species dispersed by native rats are likely to be limited by distances between remnants greater than 0.5 km, whereas plants that rely on flying mammal dispersers such as Pteropus poliocephalus (grey-headed flying-fox) that have been shown to disperse seeds of rainforest plants up to 40 km from foraging sites to their daytime camps (Eby, 1989, 1991, 1995) can cope with greater distances between patches of Lowland Rainforest. Bird species that may have the greatest potential to disperse a large volume and wide variety of plants, including large-seeded plants, tend to be less abundant outside of extensive forests (Moran et al., 2004b). This also suggests that the extent to which dispersal of certain plant species is limited in fragmented Lowland Rainforest (Moran et al., 2004b) is affected by the plant‟s dispersal mechanism. In some cases these birds are being replaced by smaller bird species that do not disperse the same suite of large seeded plant species (such as species from Lauraceae, Elaeocarpaceae and Sapotaceae families). This means that fewer seedlings of such plant species will be recruited to many rainforest regrowth or remnant patches (Moran et al., 2004a). The smaller bird species that have been observed to be increasing such as the silvereye (Moran et al., 2004b) are also associated with the dispersal of weed species that are common in the fragmented landscape. The fruits of most rainforest plants are dispersed by animals, particularly birds and bats, but also possums, small mammals, lizards and ants. Somewhat paradoxically, seed predation by insects and rodents, and the browsing of seedlings by herbivores from caterpillars to wallabies, are together thought to play a major role in maintaining the diversity of rainforest plants, by limiting the competitive dominance of species (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). On the forest floor worms, mites and a myriad of invertebrates, aided by the raking of lyre-birds, brush turkeys, logrunners and other animals, help to decompose the leaf litter, fallen logs and other refuse of the forest, and promote the recycling of nutrients (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). While fleshy fruits sustain a wide range of vertebrate species, the foliage of rainforest trees supports a vast diversity of invertebrate species (Keith, 2004). Natural regenerative capacity relies not only on seed sources and dispersal but also on pollination. Although some species utilise vertebrate pollinators (e.g. black bean), insects are the dominant pollinators in lowland rainforest (Williams and Adams, 1998). Effective pollination by generalist insect pollinators is most likely to occur within 50 m and unlikely beyond 100 m (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). While canopy trees can benefit from a wide range of different pollinators, there is growing awareness that understorey species such as small trees, shrubs, herbs and epiphytes rely on specialist pollinators (Williams and Adams, 1998). Clearing the understorey and increasing fragmentation are therefore more likely to impact acutely on regenerative processes. However, the indirect impacts of loss of pollinators are unlikely to be immediately noticed, and without close monitoring of recruitment may remain masked by current species assemblages. It may take decades to realise the lack of recruitment of key species that support specialist pollinators (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). Where individual species are part of a sequential flowering season for local pollinators, their loss may affect the dynamics of the entire remnant patch and possibly further afield (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). The fragmentation of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community, and consequently the habitat for local flora and fauna, has impacted on the ecological processes and the species composition of flora and fauna in the fragmented landscape.

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Listed threatened species A total of 63 plant species and 42 animal species are listed as threatened under national or state legislation at 31 January 2011. This includes:  34 flora species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999  12 fauna species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999  52 flora species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995  34 fauna species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995  37 flora species listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992  24 fauna species listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 A list of all threatened species associated with Lowland Rainforest is at Appendix D. 8. Description of Threats The main ongoing threats to the Lowland Rainforest ecological community are:  land clearing;  impacts associated with fragmentation of remnants;  weeds; and,  private native forestry. Land Use History Prior to European settlement, virtually the whole of the north coast of NSW was forested. It formed part of a continuum of forest stretching along most of the coast of NSW and southern Queensland. In areas of high rainfall and better soils, the predominant forest type was subtropical rainforest (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). Lowland Rainforest of the Big Scrub area near Lismore originally covered 750 square kilometres, and was the most extensive Lowland Rainforest in south-eastern Australia. In the pre-European landscape, rainforest patches were set within a matrix of more open forest and woodland (dominated by Eucalyptus and Acacia spp.) from which they differ both structurally and floristically (Webb, 1968; Floyd, 1990a; Neilan et al., 2006). It is likely that the Lowland Rainforest ecological community would have lined the major rivers on the floodplains above the reaches of tidal influence (Keith and Scott, 2005). It would also have spread across elevated flats where moisture and soil nutrients were in abundance, particularly on the Tweed, which receives more rainfall than any of the other major floodplains (Keith and Scott, 2005). It is thought that the Indigenous people of NSW used Lowland Rainforest seasonally for food and raw materials such as macadamia nuts, figs, wild grapes, yams, cunjevoi roots, the heart of bangalow and cabbage palms, black bean seeds, brush turkeys, bandicoots, pademelons and small wallabies (Keith, 2004; Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). The fibre from the bark of Dendrocnide excelsa (giant stinging tree) was used to make nets for fishing and hunting (Keith, 2004). Lowland Rainforest provided one of the world‟s most prized cabinet timbers to early European settlers. Toona ciliata (red cedar) was in huge demand as a cabinet timber within Australia and overseas. When the red cedar resource was exhausted, the loggers turned their

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attention to Gmelina leichhardtii (white beech) and Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) (Keith, 2004). Farming on the newly cleared land took over as the major land use in the 1880s (Keith, 2004). By the twentieth century, most Lowland Rainforest had been cleared for agriculture (Keith, 2004). Today Lowland Rainforest is reduced to scattered remnants, many only a few hectares in size, such as Davis Scrub and Booyong Flora Reserve. Larger stands survive on the Border and Nightcap ranges and in World Heritage areas (Keith, 2004). In addition to timber, early settlers used Lowland Rainforest for hunting. Pigeons and turkeys were hunted as one of the few sources of fresh meat, and pademelons, possums and water rats were a source of hides (Frith, 1977). Since much of Lowland Rainforest has been cleared, regrowth dominated by camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) has become common on former agricultural land (Frith, 1977; Neilan et al., 2006). Land Clearing Land clearing continues to threaten floodplain vegetation, as rural enterprises and hobby farms expand into the upper reaches of the floodplains (Keith and Scott, 2005). The density of isolated trees continues to decline through senescence without replacement and with the conversion of grazing properties to cropping (Keith and Scott, 2005). Ongoing incremental clearing of vegetation for agricultural activities (in particular macadamias and fruit crops), horticultural industry (and the subsequent introduction of new potential weeds), hobby farming, peri-urban and rural residential development (including vegetation removal for bush fire protection), and private native forestry are further adding to isolation and fragmentation of Lowland Rainforest remnants. Weeds and feral animals Weeds compete with native species in the ecological community for space, light, water and nutrients. They also suppress and out-compete mid-storey and canopy trees. Weeds are a major threat to the long-term viability and survival of the majority of Big Scrub remnants and many Lowland Rainforest remnants elsewhere. Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the EPBC Act impact the fauna of Lowland Rainforest. For instance, the Invasion and establishment of Cane Toad (Bufo marinus) and Predation by European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) both have widespread impacts throughout the distribution of Lowland Rainforest. The most serious impact of these KTPs is in small remnants and the edges of larger remnants. All vertebrates are impacted with small frogs, reptiles and mammals predated by the cane toad and larger predatory species poisoned when cane toads are ingested. Cane toads shelter and forage in small remnants and edges, particularly if there is suitable adjacent breeding habitat such as farm dams. The red fox also has dens in small remnants of Lowland Rainforest and forages through these and along the edges of large patches taking a range of reptiles, birds and small mammals. Introduced mammals found in remnants of Lowland Rainforest include: black rat (Rattus rattus), house mouse (Mus musculus), hare (Lepus capensis), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild dog (Canis familiaris), European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and cat (Felis catus). Small remnants are particularly vulnerable to feral animals (Lott and Duggin, 1993). The significance of the threat posed by weeds is reflected by the listing of The invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers as a Key Threatening Process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Loss and degradation of native plant and

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animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants as a Key Threatening Process under the EPBC Act. Numerous weeds affect remnants of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. They compete with native species for space, light and other resources but they also provide resources to other plants and animals in the ecological community. Woody weeds such as camphor laurel and tobacco bush (Solanum mauritianum) shade and inhibit the growth of other plants including detrimental weeds such as cat‟s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati), madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia), morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), wandering jew (Tradescantia fluminensis), climbing asparagus (Asparagus plumosus), ochna (Ochna serrulata) and small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense). Woody weeds can also provide an improved microclimate for rainforest seedlings to grow (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2008). Birds and other animals use the weeds for food and shelter, e.g. Psophodes olivaceus (eastern whipbird) uses lantana (Lantana camara) for nesting from winter to spring and numerous butterflies feed on its flowers (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2008). Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) Camphor laurel is a fast-growing woody weed that can colonise and reforest cleared ex- rainforest land. Camphor laurel dominates many abandoned pastures and edges and dominates the canopy of many regrowth patches where it shades out and competes with other vegetation. The species is known to exclude native rainforest species from establishing (by competing for space and resources) and to retard the growth of some rainforest species in its vicinity (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2008). Camphor laurel is considered to be an undesirable invasive plant in productive agricultural lands and some types of native forest, but it also provides food resources and other habitat (including stepping-stones) for rainforest wildlife, and hence may contribute to regional conservation (Date et al., 1996; Neilan et al., 2006). Neilan et al. (2006) also suggest that camphor laurel facilitates the recruitment of native rainforest plants into abandoned farmland. Camphor laurel can successfully recruit in pasture and, if grazing pressure is reduced, grow rapidly amongst grasses to form a regrowth patch. Once established, camphor laurel regrowth develops a relatively complex forest structure. The moderately dense canopy cover and litter layer create shade and other physical conditions which suppress the growth of pasture grasses and herbaceous weeds, but are suitable for the germination and growth of native rainforest plants (Neilan et al., 2006). There is potential for camphor laurel stands to develop into transitional communities between abandoned pasture and regrowth rainforest (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). It is therefore important to consider the role camphor laurel plays as a transitional ecological community when planning weed management strategies in Lowland Rainforest patches. In some areas where it dominates, camphor laurel is regarded as a rainforest type (DECCW, 2010) as it provides an important seasonal resource (Neilan et al., 2006; DECCW, 2010). However, in areas where it is not dominant and is still actively taking over areas of native vegetation such as patches of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community, it should be considered an invasive species and prevented from establishing (DECCW, 2010). Private Native Forestry Private native forestry is intended to be the sustainable use of native vegetation on privately- owned land in NSW for obtaining forest products including sawlogs, veneer logs, poles, girders, piles and pulp logs. Although it is excluded from vegetation patches that meet certain rainforest definitional criteria, the implementation of this management practice is threatening remnants of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community in NSW, particularly smaller remnants.

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Private native forestry is excluded from areas of old growth forest and rainforest where rainforest is defined as tree-dominated vegetation where the tree stratum (over 3 m in height) has rainforest species making up 50% or more of the crown cover, except where non rainforest emergent species (including brushbox and turpentine) occur and exceed 30% or more of the upper stratum crown cover (DECC, 2007). Rainforest includes all areas of rainforest mappable at a 1:25 000 scale. Rainforest also includes areas exceeding 0.5 hectares occurring as isolated clumps or lineal strips of rainforest trees (DECC, 2007). Private native forestry may also occur in endangered ecological communities listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, as part of an approved Ecological Harvesting Plan approved by the Director General of the NSW Department of Environment (DECC, 2007). Native Forest and Horticulture Plantations The proposal to replace stands of camphor laurel with short rotation eucalypt plantations reduces the food and habitat resources for rainforest fauna (Neilan et al., 2006). Eucalypt plantations near Lowland Rainforest remnants also increase fire risks in the ecological community (Neilan et al., 2006). The increase in herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser use near remnants as a result of the shift from, for example, dairy farming to more intensive tropical fruit cultivation (such as avocados and macadamia plantations) potentially poses a threat to the Lowland Rainforest ecological community (Gilmour and Helman, 1991; Lott and Duggin, 1993). The impact of invading edge and weed species is also likely to be increased with this change in landuse (Gilmour and Helman, 1991). The proximity of remnants to macadamia plantations has resulted in introduced black rats becoming a pest. The impact of this species on native rodents is not known within the ecological community (Lott and Duggin, 1993) but it is likely to be negative. Grazing Some remnants of Lowland Rainforest are grazed by domestic stock. Cattle often damage or destroy the understorey and native ground covers and remove naturally regenerating seedlings. In doing so, they alter the species composition of Lowland Rainforest, damage the vegetation and degrade land by causing soil compaction and erosion problems. Pathogens Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) is part of the group of fungi that includes guava rust and eucalyptus rust (Carnegie et al., 2010). It originated in South America but was first identified in Australia in a nursery on the Central Coast of NSW in April 2010. Myrtle rust affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, including native species found in the Lowland Rainforest ecological community such as Syzygium floribundum (weeping lilly pilly). Plants affected by myrtle rust often suffer dieback. The rust can compromise the plants ability to thrive and reproduce and can cause the plant to eventually die. The fungus thrives in humid conditions so Lowland Rainforest is particularly susceptible to myrtle rust. Myrtle rust has spread throughout the range of Lowland Rainforest. Fragmentation Many patches of the ecological community now exist in very small remnants in areas where Lowland Rainforest was once widespread. Remnants are scattered through an open landscape that is largely agricultural (grazing) land. As the fragmentation of Lowland Rainforest continues, the viability of remnants as habitat for native plants and animals is threatened.

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The effects of fragmentation on vertebrate fauna are better understood than effects on other groups. There is often a rapid loss of some fauna species and an increase in other species, particularly generalist species, following isolation. These ecological imbalances are likely to drive the loss of additional species in isolated patches. Thus, a Lowland Rainforest remnant may pass quickly through a series of unstable transient states until it reaches a biologically simplified equilibrium (Hunter, 1998). Fragmentation can affect invertebrate species dramatically as they are short-lived and sensitive to fine-scale environmental variation (Hunter, 1998). Fragmentation increases the competition for resources such as food and shelter as these become more and more limiting as remnants get smaller in size (Hunter, 1998). Bird species that facilitate dispersal of a large volume and variety of plants, tend to be less abundant in fragmented forests (Moran et al., 2004b). This suggests that dispersal of certain plant species is limited in fragmented Lowland Rainforest (Moran et al., 2004b; Neilan et al., 2006). The fragmentation of the Lowland Rainforest in the Big Scrub area has resulted in the loss of birds such as the Atrichornis rufescens (rufous scrub-bird) and Dasyornis brachypterus (eastern bristlebird) (Hunter, 1998; DECC, 2005). It has also been suggested to have caused the local extinction of Maccullochella ikei (Clarence River cod) due to major changes in watercourses (Hunter, 1998). The fragmentation of Lowland Rainforests has also been a major factor in the decline and near extinction of Coxen's fig parrot (Hunter, 1998). Rainforest trees are often long-lived and may respond slowly to fragmentation. Some species may be functionally extinct in remnants before they have actually disappeared. Co-evolved pollinators or seed dispersers may have disappeared. However, for many species there may be gene flow between remnants because of movement of pollinators and seed dispersers. Remnants may therefore contribute to the genetic connectivity of a larger metapopulation and act as stepping-stones (Hunter, 1998). Edge effects Fragmentation and the creation of patches with long edges results in physical and biotic changes which have major impacts on the ecology of the remnant. The edges of a remnant are subject to physical effects which include elevated wind turbulence and incursion, temperature variability, lateral light penetration and reduced humidity (Hunter, 1998). These changes in the physical environment of Lowland Rainforest have consequences for the plants and animals which inhabit the remnant. The species diversity of some generalist species increases near edges and some specialist rainforest species are generally uncommon near edges (Hunter, 1998). Predation on nesting birds and seeds may increase near edges and in fragments due to an influx of generalist predators from the surrounding matrix which influence the success of regeneration within remnants. Increased windshear forces may cause an increase in the frequency of treefall gaps (Hunter, 1998). Climate Change The effects of climate change, increased human population numbers and associated human disturbances will impact on Lowland Rainforest. Climate change predictions for northern NSW and south-east Queensland indicate a shift to warmer minimum and maximum temperatures, more extreme fire event days, fewer but more intense extreme weather events such as storms with destructive winds and sea level rise (DECC, 2009). Many faunal species are expected to migrate to cooler, higher elevations. Adequate corridors of suitable vegetation will be needed to facilitate this movement. Less mobile species will be more significantly impacted by climate change (Blyth, 1991; Westoby and Burgman, 2006). Habitat loss and fragmentation present increasingly serious problems in the context of global climate change, as smaller patches of ecological communities will be less resilient and

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isolated ecological communities will have difficulty shifting their ranges to track changing environments. A potential solution is to provide structural connectivity i.e. elements of the landscape (typically some form of native vegetation) that physically link isolated patches of habitat. These linkages will allow individuals and/or their genes to disperse between multiple small patches, allowing these subpopulations to collectively function as larger, more resilient metapopulations (Doerr et al., 2010). The effect of changing climate on Australian landscapes is likely to be significant because extensive land clearing and post European settlement have left fragmented remnants of native vegetation within a matrix dominated by agricultural production (Doerr et al., 2010). Fire Unlike most other vegetation types in Australia, rainforest is not adapted to fire (Floyd, 1990a). Fire is an important factor in limiting rainforest boundaries (Bowman, 2000). Rainforest species are capable of colonising eucalypt forests and grasslands but are only likely to survive to maturity if fire is excluded until the rainforest species have formed a closed community (Bowman, 2000). However, most rainforest species can regenerate after a single fire (Bowman, 2000). It is therefore, the frequency of fires that is critical. Weeds can substantially change fuel characteristics at rainforest boundaries (Bowman, 2000). Therefore, Lowland Rainforest remnants with a high woody weed component, or surrounded by land with a high woody weed component, are more susceptible to the impacts of fire.

9. How judged by the Committee in relation to the EPBC Act criteria. Criterion 1 - Decline in geographic distribution New South Wales The area of all rainforest in NSW has been reduced by about 90% since European settlement (Floyd, 1990a; Gilmour and Helman, 1991). The core area of Lowland Rainforest in the Big Scrub has been reduced from 75 000 ha to <750 ha (<1% remaining) (Floyd, 1990a; Gilmour and Helman, 1991; Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). This trend has been shown to apply to the entire geographic extent of the ecological community. Detailed analysis of the NSW mapping undertaken by Flint and Cerese (unpublished) has determined that the Lowland Rainforest ecological community in NSW has been reduced from 187 280 ha to 11 170 ha. Over 94% of the ecological community has been cleared. The current extent of Lowland Rainforest within protected areas is 1 988 ha (Flint and Cerese, unpublished). This is across 41 different national parks or reserves, however the majority is within Nightcap National Park (525 ha), Border Ranges National Park (283 ha), Mooball National Park (203 ha), Mt Jerusalem National Park (143 ha) and Inner Pocket Nature Reserve (104 ha). Queensland There are eight Queensland Regional Ecosystems (REs) that are considered to contain Lowland Rainforest. These are: 12.3.1, 12.5.13, 12.8.3, 12.8.4, 12.11.1, 12.11.10, 12.12.1 and 12.12.16. The remaining extent of these REs (at an altitude <300 m above sea level) ranges from 5% to >70% of that likely to exist prior to European settlement (McDonald pers. comm. 2010). However, these regional ecosystems are substantially broader than the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. Not all areas mapped as the REs will match the „description‟, „key diagnostic characteristics‟ and „condition thresholds‟ that define the national Lowland Rainforest ecological community.

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Flint and Cerese (unpublished) assessed the extent of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community in Queensland prior to European settlement to be 8 840 ha. The extent remaining today is estimated at 2 910 ha. The extent within protected areas is 643 ha. The largest occurrences in protected areas are in Springbrook National Park (approx. 260 ha), Lamington National Park (approx. 100 ha), Kondalilla National Park (approx. 95 ha) and the Glass House Mountains National Park (approx. 70 ha). Total The pre-European extent of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community is estimated to be 196 110 ha. The current extent is estimated to be 14 080 ha. These results indicate that there is only 7.2 % of the ecological community remaining across its range and that more than 92% of the community has been cleared since European occupation of Australia. The estimates of decline do not take into consideration the condition of remnants. It is likely that the extent of Lowland Rainforest that remain in good condition, and meet the condition thresholds, is lower than indicated above. The Committee considers that the ecological community has undergone a severe decline in geographic distribution. Therefore, the ecological community has been demonstrated to have met the relevant elements of Criterion 1 to make it eligible for listing as endangered.

Criterion 2 - Small geographic distribution coupled with demonstrable threat As detailed in Section 8 – „Description of Threats‟, the Lowland Rainforest ecological community is subject to several ongoing demonstrable threats. Key threats include ongoing vegetation clearance, impacts associated with fragmentation of remnants and weed invasion. The purpose of this criterion is to recognise that an ecological community with a distribution that is currently small has an inherently higher risk of extinction if it is subject to a threatening process. Thresholds to identify terrestrial vegetation communities with small distributions are typically based on three indicative measures. These are the area of occupancy, total extent of occurrence and patch size (indicative of fragmentation). If any of the three measures is demonstrated to apply to the ecological community it is considered to have a small geographic distribution. The distribution of Lowland Rainforest occurs over a large area of eastern Australia from Maryborough in Queensland to the Hunter River in NSW. Neither the total area of occupancy or the total extent of occurrence of this ecological community are restricted. However, within its distribution it occurs in a range of patch sizes. Of the 2 683 mapped patches, 88.7% were less than 10 ha in size and only 16 patches exceed 100 ha. The average patch size for Lowland Rainforest is 5.4 ha. The fragmentation of this ecological community makes it very vulnerable to the ongoing threats such as the impacts of edge effects, limitations to dispersal mechanisms and increased vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change. The Committee considers that the ecological community has a very restricted distribution, as evidenced by highly fragmented remnants with the majority (>88%) of patches being a very small size, typically less than 10 ha. There is also clear evidence that the ecological community is subject to a range of ongoing threats that could cause it to be lost in the immediate future. Therefore, the ecological community has been demonstrated to have met the relevant elements of Criterion 2 to make it eligible for listing as critically endangered.

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Criterion 3 - Loss or decline of functionally important species The relationship between species is important for maintaining ecosystem function in the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. Frugivorous birds and mammals are important for seed dispersal of key plant species such as fig trees, quandongs, pepperberry and walnuts. Frugivorous birds such as Coxen‟s fig-parrot are among other functionally important animals such as the grey-headed flying-fox that are threatened. A decline in numbers is evident in the list of over 40 animal species, which can be found in the ecological community, that are listed as threatened under national or state threatened species legislation. The grey-headed flying-fox (Vulnerable – EPBC & NSW), is an important seed disperser for a number of Lowland Rainforest plants. Seed dispersal within and between Lowland Rainforest remnants is needed to maintain forest dynamics (Moran et al., 2004b). The grey- headed flying-fox is a key disperser likely to disperse seeds large distances. In the increasingly fragmented landscape, the functional role of this vulnerable species is increasingly important for the survival of the Lowland Rainforest ecological community. Research has shown that the abundance of frugivorous birds (wompoo, superb and rose- crowned fruit-doves) has significantly reduced in remnants compared to extensive forest (Moran et al., 2004a,b; Neilan et al., 2006). This suggests that the birds have a minimum habitat requirement and that suitable food resources and habitat are absent or in very low abundance in pioneer vegetation and some smaller patches (Moran et al., 2004a). It seems likely that the reduced numbers of functionally important frugivorous birds in fragmented and disturbed habitats would change the composition and rate of seed dispersal in these habitats. In addition, there is an increase in smaller birds (varied triller and the silvereye) that are likely to feed on small-seeded sugary fruits in regrowth compared to remnants and extensive forest (Moran et al., 2004b). These birds are often associated with the consumption of the seeds and fruits of introduced weeds which are typically found in abundance in fragmented parts of the landscape (Moran et al., 2004b). Although subsequent seedling germination and plant establishment, growth and reproduction are affected by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, initial seed input to a site is essential, especially in a cleared landscape. It has been demonstrated that there is a severe change in the composition of the functionally important bird species found in the fragmented Lowland Rainforest ecological community (Moran et al., 2004a,b; Neilan et al., 2006) and, in turn, a change in the composition of plant species with a likely decrease in native species and increase in introduced species (Moran et al., 2004b). The ability of the ecological community to restore relatively quickly (with human intervention) does allow the community to re-establish a rainforest-like state and provide habitat for some rainforest dependant biota but it does not enable the ecological community to regenerate to its original state, including the restoration of all functionally important bird populations. Complete regeneration of Lowland Rainforest may take more than 44 years (Kariuki and Kooyman, 2005) and possibly as long as 800 years (Hopkins, 1990) and is unlikely in the near future (Summerbell, 1991; Kanowski et al., 2009). Therefore, the ecological community has been demonstrated to have met the relevant elements of Criterion 3 to make it eligible for listing under this criterion as endangered.

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Criterion 4 - Reduction in community integrity Reduction in integrity through the loss of key vegetative components In many remaining areas the species composition of the ecological community has changed. Introduced species such as camphor laurel can dominate many patches of Lowland Rainforest, out-competing native vegetation and in some cases, reducing the integrity of a patch so much that it is no longer considered part of the ecological community. The grazing of domestic animals such as cattle in patches of Lowland Rainforest also reduces the ability of native plant species to regenerate. The size of individual remnants has been shown to affect species diversity in the Big Scrub area (Lott and Duggin, 1993). Smaller remnants (<10 ha) characteristically have a lower species diversity. Small remnants are also prone to chance removal of diagnostic tree species through clearing and its subsequent effects and invasion by other species (Lott and Duggin, 1993). Lowland Rainforest also supports a number of rare and/or threatened plants species such as Davidsonia jerseyana (Davidson‟s plum) (Endangered–EPBC, Endangered–NSW). Many Lowland Rainforest remnants (>80%) are not protected in national parks (Flint and Cerese, unpublished) despite their importance in the conservation of these rare and/or threatened flora and their role in the maintenance of community integrity. Reduction in integrity through loss of key faunal components The number of frugivorous birds in subtropical Australia has decreased following extensive clearing of rainforests especially in lowland areas (Date et al., 1991; Moran et al., 2004a). Frugivorous birds play an important role in the ecological community as they are highly mobile and are among the most likely to carry plant seeds across cleared land. Seed dispersal within and between Lowland Rainforest remnants is needed to maintain forest dynamics. Big Scrub data (Lott and Duggin, 1993) indicates that the size of a remnant affects its ability to support mammals. Remnants less than 20 ha in size did not contain Rattus fuscipes (bush rat). Similarly, Antechinus stuartii (brown antechinus, Stuart‟s antechinus) is only found in one remnant outside the Nightcap National Park/Whian Whian area (Lott and Duggin, 1993). Predation by cats and dogs may have eliminated these species from the smaller remnants, however, the presence of a dense groundcover has also been found to be important for these native mammal species (Lott and Duggin, 1993). Thylogale thetis (red-necked pademelon) is also absent in smaller Big Scrub remnants. The known small size of the home range of these mammal species suggests that they should be able to survive in many of the smaller remnants. The fact that they are absent indicates that other factors such as the availability of food and shelter, and predation reduce the integrity of the ecological community to a level that prevents pademelons and rodents from inhabiting the smaller remnants. The Lowland Rainforest ecological community is habitat for over 40 animal species listed as threatened at the national or state level. It can be inferred that the decline in the abundance of these species indicates a decline in the quality of habitat the ecological community is providing as well as indicating a reduction in ecological processes reliant on the interaction of plant and animal species within the ecological community.

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Reduction in integrity through weed invasion The ecological community is threatened by more than 130 weed species (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). These weeds compete with native species for space, light and resources. Lantana is also known to smother native species and the toxicity of camphor laurel is thought to inhibit the growth of some native species (Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005). Although the regeneration of the ecological community is possible if weeds are removed, it has been shown that complete regeneration may take more than 44 years (Kariuki and Kooyman, 2005) and possibly as long as 800 years (Hopkins, 1990). Reduction in integrity through fragmentation and degradation of habitat Extensive fragmentation of the ecological community into isolated and disconnected remnants has ecological implications. Fragments with a high edge to area ratio are more susceptible to disturbances and adverse influences from the surrounding agricultural landscape, such as weeds and spray drift. Disconnected remnants can also affect the dispersal and movement of wildlife and plant propagules. Small remnants may also prove to be less suitable habitat for some native species e.g. bush rat, Stuart‟s antechinus and red-necked pademelon. Despite the negative impacts of the fragmentation of the ecological community, it is important to highlight the significance of small and/or isolated patches. Some isolated remnants are too small to support all rainforest dependant species together but the occurrence of rainforest dependant species in scattered locations throughout the Big Scrub (despite the long periods of isolation) indicates that they are important stepping-stones between larger remnants providing supplementary food and allowing bird movement and therefore seed dispersal within and between remnants (Lott and Duggin, 1993; Moran et al., 2004a,b). Summary The Committee considers that the Lowland Rainforest ecological community has undergone a severe reduction in its ecological integrity across most of its distribution, demonstrated by several indicators of severe degradation and disruption of important ecological processes. There is a high incidence of weeds in the ecological community and key floral and faunal components have declined. The ecological community currently exists in a highly fragmented state which has the capacity to exacerbate the impacts from ongoing threats and disturbance. It is unlikely that the ecological community will recover its full ecological integrity in the near future, even with positive human intervention. Therefore the ecological community is eligible for listing as endangered under this criterion.

Criterion 5 - Rate of continuing detrimental change The Lowland Rainforest ecological community has undergone a severe decline in geographic distribution that has resulted in the remaining Lowland Rainforest being highly fragmented and vulnerable to disturbance. Exposure to an altered physical environment (light, temperature and wind) particularly on edges has continued detrimental effects on the ecological community. Disturbance of the canopy in Lowland Rainforest often promotes the growth of alien vines (that smother native trees and further disrupt the canopy) and alien groundcovers (that suppress the regeneration of other rainforest plants) (Kanowski et al., 2009). The impact of exotic weeds in this community is increased with increasing fragmentation and smaller patch sizes. The ability of the fragmented ecological community to support native flora and fauna and important ecological processes such as seed dispersal and pollination has also been reduced (Moran et al., 2004b; Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, 2005).

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The detrimental change occurring in this ecological community has been demonstrated by the number of threatened species associated with the ecological community, the severe decline in its geographic distribution and the disruption of ecological processes that has occurred. There is an indication that decline in the condition of Lowland Rainforest remnants is continuing and that a significant investment in ongoing maintenance, in the form of weed control and in some cases supplementary planting, is required to avoid a further increase in the rate of continuing detrimental change. However, data on the rate of change are not available to support this, therefore the ecological community is not eligible for listing under Criterion 5.

Criterion 6 - Quantitative analysis showing probability of extinction There are no quantitative data available to assess the ecological community under this criterion. Therefore, it is not eligible for listing under this criterion.

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10. Conclusion Conservation status This advice follows the assessment of information to include the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community in the list of threatened ecological communities referred to in Section 181 of the EPBC Act. The Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community meets:  Criterion 1 as endangered because its decline in geographic distribution is severe; and  Criterion 2 as critically endangered because its geographic distribution is very restricted and the nature of its distribution makes it likely that the action of a threatening process could cause it to be lost in the immediate future;  Criterion 3 as endangered because the decline of functionally important species is severe and restoration is unlikely to be possible in the near future;  Criterion 4 as endangered because the ecological community has undergone a severe reduction in community integrity such that regeneration is unlikely within the near future. The highest category for which the ecological community is eligible to be listed is critically endangered. Recovery Plan Due to a number of existing management plans relevant to the ecological community, the Committee considers that a recovery plan specific to the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community is a low priority. In particular, management actions relevant to the ecological community can be found in the Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan (DEWHA, 2010b).

11. Recommendations The Committee recommends that: i. The list referred to in section 181 of the EPBC Act be amended by including in the list in the critically endangered category: Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia; ii. The Minister decides not to have a recovery plan for this ecological community. iii. The Minister provides the following reasons for his decision not to have a recovery plan:

A recovery plan is not required at this time. The planning, implementation and coordination of recovery actions does not involve complexity beyond that which can be managed through existing management plans and processes. A conservation advice is also available that details the priority recovery actions required for this ecological community.

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12. Publications used to assess the nomination Adam P (1992). Australian Rainforests. Oxford University Press, New York. Bennett AF, Haslem A, Cheal DC, Clarke MF, Jones RN, Koehn JD, Lake PS, Lumsden LF, Lunt ID, Mackey BG, MacNally R, Menkhorst PW, New TR, Newell GR, O'Hara T, Quinn GP, Radford JQ, Robinson D, Watson JEM and Yen AL (2009). Ecological processes: A key element in strategies for nature conservation. Ecological Management and Restoration, 10. Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group (2005). Subtropical Rainforest Restoration: A practical manual and data source for landcare groups, land managers and rainforest regenerators. Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, Bangalow NSW. Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group (2008). Common weeds of subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia. Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group. Blyth JD (1991). The role of corridors in a changing climate. In 'Nature Conservation 2: The role of corridors.' (eds) D.A. Saunders & R.J. Hobbs. Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Limited. Bowman DMJS (2000). Australian Rainforests: Islands of green in a land of fire. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Carnegie AJ, Lidbetter JR, Walker J, Horwood MA, Tesoriero L, Glen M and Priest MJ (2010). Uredo rangelii, a taxon in the guava rust complex, newly recorded on Myrtaceae in Australia. Australasian Plant Pathology, 39, p 463-466. Date EM, Ford HA and Recher HF (1991). Frugivorous pigeons, stepping stones, and weeds in northern New South Wales. In 'Nature Conservation 2: the role of corridors.' (eds) D.A. Saunders & R.J. Hobbs. Surrey Beatty, Sydney. Date EM, Recher HF, Ford HA and Stewart DA (1996). The conservation and ecology of rainforest pigeons in northeastern New South Wales. Pacific Conservation Biology, 2, p 299-308. DECC (1999). Lowland rainforest on floodplain in the NSW North Coast Bioregion - endangered ecological community listing. (web page). Viewed: 7.1.2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/LowlandRainforestNorthCoastEndCom Listing.htm. DECC (2005). Rufous Scrub-bird - species profile (web page). Viewed: 9 December 2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10076. DECC (2006). Lowland Rainforest in NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregion - endangered ecological community listing. (web page). Viewed: 7.1.2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/LowlandRainforestEndCom.htm. DECC (2007). Private Native Forestry Code of Practice Guideline No. 3. - Protocol for re- evaluating rainforest on private property. (web page). Viewed: January 2011. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pnf/prrainforest07371.pdf. DECC (2009). Summary of Climate Change Impacts: North Coast Region. NSW Climate Change Action Plan.

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DECCW (2005). The native vegetation of New South Wales (web page). Viewed: 21.10.2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/home_vegetation.aspx. DECCW (2010). Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW and Queensland. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, Sydney. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/border- ranges/. DEWHA (2010a). Gondwana Rainforest of Australia: Australian Heritage Database (web page). Viewed: 7 January 2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;search=place_name%3DGondwana%2520Rainfor ests%3Bcountry%3DAustralia%3Bkeyword_PD%3Don%3Bkeyword_SS%3Don%3Bke yword_PH%3Don%3Blatitude_1dir%3DS%3Blongitude_1dir%3DE%3Blongitude_2dir %3DE%3Blatitude_2dir%3DS%3Bin_region%3Dpart;place_id=105704. DEWHA (2010b). Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan, National Recovery Plan for the Northern Rivers Region. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, Sydney. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/northern- rivers.html. Doerr VAJ, Doerr ED and Davies MJ (2010). Does structural connectivity facilitate dispersal of native species in Australia's fragmented terrestrial landscapes? Systematic review No. 44. Collaboration for environmental evidence. Eby P (1989). Flying foxes in rainforest remnants - preliminary report. Eby P (1991). Seasonal movements of grey-headed flying-foxes, Pteropus poliocephalus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae), from two maternity camps in northern New South Wales. Wildlife Research, 18, p 547-549. Eby P (1995). The biology and management of flying foxes in NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. Flint C and Cerese B (unpublished). Mapping Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia: Report for the Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group, December 2010. Floyd AG (1990a). Australian Rainforests in New South Wales. Surrey Beatty and Sons Pty Limited, Chipping Norton, NSW. Floyd AG (1990b). Australian Rainforests in New South Wales. Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Limited, Chipping Norton, NSW. Frith HJ (1977). Rainforests - the destruction of the Big Scrub. Parks and Wildlife, 2, p 7-12. Gilmour P and Helman C (1991). Clarence Valley Rainforest Remnants Rescue: Stage 1. Rainforest Inventory. A Report to the Clarence Environment Centre. Holmes G (1987). Avifauna of the Big Scrub Region. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. Hopkins MS (1990). Disturbance - the forest transformer. In 'Australian Tropical Rainforests: Science - Values - Meaning.' (eds) L.J. Webb & J. Kikkawa. CSIRO Australia, Melbourne.

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Hunter RJ (1998). Fragmentation - the consequences. In 'Rainforest remnants: a decade of growth. Proceedings of a conference on rainforest remnants and regeneration at Southern Cross University Conference Centre 21-23 November 1998' (ed) Stephanie Horton. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville NSW. Kanowski J, Kooyman RM and Catterall CP (2009). Dynamics and Restoration of Australian Tropical and Subtropical Rainforest. In 'New models for ecosystem dynamics and restoration' (ed) Society for Ecological Restoration International. Island Press. Kariuki M and Kooyman R (2005). Floristic changes and regeneration patterns for a 12-year period during the 3rd and 4th decades following selection logging in a subtropical rainforest. Austral Ecology, 30, p 884-855. Keith DA (2004). Ocean shores to desert dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney. Keith DA and Scott J (2005). Native vegetation of coastal floodplains: a diagnosis of the major plant communities in New South Wales. Pacific Conservation Biology, 11, p 81-104. Lott RH and Duggin JA (1993). Conservation significance and long term viability of subtropical rainforest remnants of the Big Scrub, north-eastern New South Wales. McDonald WJF (2010). Personal communication by email November 2010. Qld Department of Environment and Resource Management. Milledge D (2010). Personal communication June 2010. Landmark Ecological Services. Mills K (1987). The distribution, character and conservation status of the rainforests of the Illawarra district, New South Wales. In 'The rainforest legacy: Australian national rainforest study. Volume 1 - The nature, distribution and status of rainforest types.'. Australian Government Publishing Service. Moran C, Catterall CP, Green RJ and Olsen MF (2004a). Fates of feathered fruit-eaters in fragmented forests. In 'Conservation of Australia's forest fauna.' (ed) D. Lunney. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. Moran C, Catterall CP, Green RJ and Olsen MF (2004b). Functional variation among frugivorous birds: implications for rainforest seed dispersal in a fragmented subtropical landscape. Oecologia, 141, p 584-595. Neilan W, Catterall CP, Kanowski J and McKenna S (2006). Do frugivorous birds assist rainforest succession in weed dominated oldfield regrowth of subtropical Australia? Biological Conservation, 129, p 393-407. NSW Scientific Committee (2008). Rose-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus regina: A Review of Current Information in NSW (web page). Viewed: April 2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/schedules/RCFDove.pdf. Osborne WS (1991). Birds of rainforest and associated tall open forest environments in the Washpool-Gibraltar Range region of New South Wales. In 'The rainforest legacy: Australian national rainforests study. Volume 2 - Flora and fauna of the rainforests' (ed) Garray and Kershaw Werren, Peter. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Summerbell G (1991). Regeneration of complex notophyll vine forest (humid subtropical rainforest) in eastern Australia - a review. Cunninghamia, 2, p 391-409.

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TSSC (2008). Listing Advice for Littoral Rainforest and Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia ecological community. (web page). Viewed: July 2010. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/pubs/76-listing- advice.pdf. Webb LJ (1968). Environmental Relationships of the Structural Types of Australian Rain Forest Vegetation. Ecology, 49, p 296-311. Webb LJ and Tracey JG (1981). Australian Rainforests: patterns and change. In 'Ecological Biogeography of Australia' (ed) A. Keast. Westoby M and Burgman M (2006). Climate change as a threatening process. Austral Ecology, 31, p 549-550. Williams GA and Adams P (1998). Pollination ecology of Australian subtropical rainforests - implications for the conservation of remnant lowland communities. In 'Rainforest Remnants, a decade of growth, Proceedings of a conference on rainforest remnants and regeneration.', Stephanie Horton (Ed.). Southern Cross University Conference Centre.

Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia listing advice - Page 31 of 31 Appendix A common name synonym Characteristic Flora Species Acacia bakeri marblewood Acacia chrysotricha Newry golden wattle Acalypha eremorum acalypha Ackama paniculata soft corkwood, rose-leaved marara Caldcluvia paniculosa Acmena ingens red apple; southern satinash Syzygium ingens Acmena smithii lilly pilly, lillipilli satinash Syzygium smithii Acradenia euodiiformis bonewood Acronychia baeuerlenii Byron Bay acronychia Actephila lindleyi actephila Alphitonia excelsa red ash soapbush Amyema plicatula Amyema scandens Angiopteris evecta giant fern Anopterus macleayanus Macleay laurel Anthocarapa nitidula incense tree, bog onion Aphananthe philippinensis rough leaved elm, grey handlewood Araucaria cunninghamii hoop pine Archidendron hendersonii white laceflower Archidendron muellerianum veiny laceflower Archontophoenix cunninghamiana bangalow palm Ardisia bakeri ardisia bakeri Argyrodendron actinophyllum black booyong Argyrodendron trifoliolatum white booyong Heritiera trifoliata Arthraxon hispidus hairy jointgrass Arthropteris palisotii lesser creeping fern Arytera distylis twin-leaved coogera Asperula asthenes trailing woodruff Asplenium australasicum bird's nest fern Atractocarpus chartaceus Baloghia inophylla brush bloodwood, scrub bloodwood Baloghia lucida Baloghia marmorata jointed baloghia Beilschmiedia elliptica Belvisia mucronata needle-leaf fern Bosistoa transversa yellow satinheart, heart-leaved bonewood Bosistoa selwynii Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree Breynia oblongifolia coffee bush Bridelia exaltata brush ironbark Bulbophyllum globuliforme hoop pine orchid Calamus muelleri vine Callicoma serratifolia black wattle, callicoma Capparis arborea brush caper berry Cassia marksiana brush cassia C. brewsteri var. marksiana Castanospermum australe black bean Ceratopetalum apetalum coachwood Choricarpia subargentea giant ironwood Cinnamomum oliveri Oliver's sassafrass, camphorwood Cissus antarctica native grape vine, water vine Cissus hypoglauca giant water vine

Appendix A Characteristic Flora Species cont. common name synonym Citrus australasica finger lime Cleistanthus cunninghamii cleistanthus, omega Clematis fawcettii northern clematis Clerodendrum floribundum Coatesia paniculata axe-breaker Geijera paniculata Commersonia bartramia Cordyline congesta palm lily Cordyline rubra red-fruited palm-lily Corokia whiteana corokia Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens southern corynocarpus Cryptocarya foetida stinking cryptocarya Cryptocarya obovata pepperberry tree, white walnut Cupaniopsis newmanii cupaniopsis newmanii Cupaniopsis serrata smooth tuckeroo Cynanchum elegans white-flowered wax plant Davidsonia jerseyana Davidson's plum Davidsonia johnsonii smooth Davidson's plum Dendrobium speciosum rock lily Dendrocnide excelsa giant stinging tree Dendrocnide moroides Gympie stinger Desmodium acanthocladum thorny pea Dioscorea transversa native yam Diospyros mabacea red-fruited ebony Diospyros major var. ebenus shiny-leaved ebony Diospyros pentamera myrtle ebony, grey persimmon, grey plum Diploglottis australis native tamarind Diploglottis cunninghamii Diploglottis campbellii small-leafed tamarind Dysoxylum fraserianum rosewood Dysoxylum mollissimum red bean, Miva mahogany Dysoxylum rufum hairy rosewood, rusty mahogany Elaeocarpus grandis Elaeocarpus obovatus hard quandong Elattostachys nervosa green tamarind Elaeocarpus sedentarius Minyon quandong, Rocky Creek quandong Elaeocarpus sp. Rocky creek Elaeocarpus williamsianus hairy quandong Endiandra floydii Crystal Creek walnut Endiandra globosa Endiandra hayesii rusty rose walnut Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata green-leaved rose walnut Endiandra pubens Eupomatia bennettii small bolwarra Eustrephus latifolius wombat berry Ficus spp. figs Ficus coronata creek sandpaper fig Ficus fraseri sandpaper fig

Appendix A Characteristic Species cont. common name synonym Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay fig Ficus obliqua small leaved fig Ficus watkinsiana strangling fig Flindersia australis native teak, crows ash Flindersia schottiana bumpy ash Flindersia xanthoxyla long jack, yellowwood Floydia praealta ball nut Fontainea australis southern fontainea Fontainea oraria coastal fontainea Geitonoplesium cymosum Glochidion ferdinandi cheese tree, buttonwood Gmelina leichhardtii white beech Gossia bidwillii Gossia fragrantissima sweet myrtle Grammitis stenophylla narrow-leaved finger-fern Grevillea hilliana white yiel yiel Grevillea robusta silky oak Guioa semiglauca guioa Helicia glabriflora smooth or pale helicia, pale oak, leather oak, brown oak Helmholtzia glaberrima Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia red boppel nut Hymenosporum flavum Isoglossa eranthemoides isoglossa Jagera pseudorhus foambark Lenwebbia prominens velvet myrtle Lepiderema pulchella fine-leaved tuckeroo Lindsaea brachypoda short-footed screw fern Linospadix monostachya walking stick palm Linospadix monostachyos Litsea australis Livistona australis cabbage tree palm Lophostemon confertus brushbox Macadamia integrifolia macadamia nut Macadamia tetraphylla rough-shelled bush nut Maclura cochinchinensis cockspur thorn Mallotus discolor Mallotus philippensis red kamala Marsdenia longiloba slender marsdenia Melia azedarach white cedar Melicope micrococca Melicope vitiflora Morinda jasminoides Myrsine richmondensis ripple-leaf muttonwood Rapanea sp. 'Richmond River' Neolitsea australiensis bolly gum Neolitsea dealbata Niemeyera chartacea

Appendix A Characteristic Species cont. common name synonym Niemeyera whitei rusty plum Amorphospermum whitei Notelaea johnsonii veinless mockolive Notelaea longifolia mock olive Oberonia complanata yellow-flowered king of the fairies Oberonia titania red-flowered king of the fairies Ochrosia moorei southern ochrosia Owenia cepiodora onion cedar Pandorea floribunda wonga wonga vine Pararchidendron pruinosum snow wood Pararistolochia praevenosa Parsonsia straminea Pellaea falcata Pentaceras australe penta ash, bastard crow's ash Peristeranthus hillii brown fairy-chain orchid Phyllanthus microcladus brush sauropus Pittosporum multiflorum orange thorn Pittosporum revolutum hairy pittosporum, rough-fruited pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum sweet pittosporum Planchonella australis black apple Pouteria australis Platycerium bifurcatum Platycerium superbum staghorn fern Plectranthus nitidus Nightcap plectranthus Pollia crispata Polyscias elegans silver basswood, celerywood Pomaderris notata McPherson Range pomaderris Psilotum complanatum flat fork fern Samadera sp. Mt Nardi (B.L.Walker AQ330746) southern quassia Quintinia verdonii grey possumwood, smooth possumwood Randia moorei spiny gardenia Rhodamnia maideniana smooth scrub turpentine Rhodamnia rubescens Sarcochilus dilatatus brown butterfly ochid Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii ravine orchid Sarcochilus weinthalii blotched sarcochilus Sarcomelicope simplicifolia Sarcopteryx stipata steelwood, corduroy Senna acclinis rainforest cassia Sloanea australis maidens blush, blush alder Sloenea woollsii yellow carabeen Smilax australis sarsaparilla Sophora fraseri brush sophora Stephania japonica var. discolor Streblus pendulinus whalebone tree Streblus brunonianus Syzygium australe brush cherry, creek satinash Syzygium crebrinerve purple cherry, rose satinash Syzygium floribundum weeping lilly pilly, weeping satinash Waterhousea floribunda

Appendix A common name synonym Characteristic Species cont. Syzygium francisii giant watergum, rose satinash Syzygium hodgkinsoniae red lilly pilly Syzygium moorei durobby, coolamon, rose apple Tabernaemontana pandacqui banana bush, windmill bush Ervatamia angustisepala Triflorensia cameronii Cameron's tarenna Tarenna cameronii Tinospora tinosporoides arrow-head vine Toechima dassyrrhache blunt-leaved steelwood Toona ciliata red cedar Toona australis Triunia youngiana honeysuckle bush, spice bush Wilkiea austroqueenslandica smooth wilkiea Wilkiea hugeliana veiny wilkiea Wilkiea huegeliana Zieria collina

Appendix B common name synonym Persistent Residual Trees Acmena ingens red apple, southern satinash Syzygium ingens Acmena smithii lilly pilly, lillipilli satinash Syzygium smithii Alphitonia excelsa red ash Aphananthe philippinensis rough leaved elm, grey handlewood Araucaria cunningamii hoop pine Archontophoenix cunninghamiana bangalow palm Argyrodendron trifoliolatum white booyong Heritiera trifoliolata Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree Castanospermum australe black bean Cryptocarya obovata pepperberry tree, white walnut Dendrocnide excelsa giant stinging tree Diospyros pentamera myrtle ebony, grey persimmon, grey plum Diploglottis australis native tamarind Diploglottis cunninghamii Dysoxylum fraserianum rosewood Dysoxylum mollissimum red bean, Miva mahogany Elaeocarpus obovatus hard quandong Elattostachys nervosa green tamarind Endiandra pubens Ficus coronata creek sandpaper fig Ficus fraseri sandpaper fig Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay fig Ficus obliqua small leaved fig Ficus watkinsiana strangling fig Flindersia australis native teak, crows ash Flindersia schottiana bumpy ash Flindersia xanthoxyla long jack, yellowwood Glochidion ferdinandii Glochidion ferdinandii cheese tree, buttonwood Gmelina leichhardtii white beech Grevillea robusta silky oak Guioa semiglauca Livistona australis cabbage tree palm Lophostemon confertus brushbox Neolitsea australiensis Neolitsea dealbata Notelaea johnsonii veinless mockolive Sloanea australis maidens blush, blush alder Sloenea woollsii yellow carabeen Streblus pendulinus whalebone tree Streblus brunonianus Waterhousea floribunda Syzygium floribundum weeping lilly pilly, weeping satinash Syzygium hodgkinsoniae red lilly pilly Toona ciliata red cedar Toona australis

Appendix C Fauna C’wealth NSW QLD (NCA Birds (EPBC Act) (TSC Act*) 1992) Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk R Ailuroedus crassirostris Green Catbird Alectura lathami Australian Brush Turkey Alisteris scapulatis Australian King Parrot Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird Cacuata galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Carterornis leucotis White-eared Monarch V Chalcophaps indica Emerald Dove Colluricincla megarhyncha Little Shrike-thrush Columba leucomela White-headed Pigeon Coracina lineata Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Corvus orru Torresian crow Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen’s Fig-parrot, Double-eyed E E E Fig-parrot Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoe Bird Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo Eolophus roseicapillus Galah Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V E E Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone Lalage leucomela Varied Triller Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus Topknot Pigeon Macropygia amboinensis Brown cuckoo-dove Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Menura alberti Albert's Lyrebird V R Myzomela sanguinolenta Scarlet Honeyeater Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole Orthonyx temminckii Australian Logrunner Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler Petroica rosea Rose Robin Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird Pitta versicolor Noisy Pitta Platycercu adscitus Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella Podargus ocellatus plumiferus Marbled Frogmouth V V Psophodes olivaceus Weastern Whipbird Ptilinopus magnificus Wampoo Fruit-dove V Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit-dove Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-dove V Ptilinorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird Ptiloris paradiseus Paradise Riflebird Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo Sericulus chrysocephalus Regent Bowerbird

Appendix C Fauna C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC Act) (TSC Act*) (NCA Birds cont. 1992) Sphecotheres vieilloti Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres viridis Figbird Strepera graculina Pied Currawong Symposiachrus trivirgatus Spectacled Monarch Tregellasia capito Pale-yellow Robin Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted Button-quail V E V Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V R Urodynamis taitensis Long-tailed Cuckoo, Long-tailed Koel Zoothera lunulata Bassian Thrush Zosterops lateralis Silvereye

Appendix C Fauna C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC Act) (TSC Act*) (NCA Mammals 1992) Antechinus subtropicus Subtropical Antechinus Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V R Chalinolobus morio Chocolate-wattled Bat Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll E V V Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped Bat V R Macropus dorsalis Black-striped Wallaby E Melomys cervinipes Fawn-footed Melomys Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V Nyctimene robinsoni Eastern Tube-nosed Bat V Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat V Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum Pteropus alecto Black Flying-fox V Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V V Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe Bat Syconycteris australis Eastern Blossom-bat V Thylogale stigmatica Red-legged Pademelon V Thylogale thetis Red-necked Pademelon

Appendix C Fauna C'wealth NSW QLD Reptiles and Amphibians (EPBC Act) (TSC Act*) (NCA 1992) Assa darlingtoni Pouched Frog V R Cacophis krefftii Dwarf Crowned Snake Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink V V R Bellatorias major Land Mullet Gonocephalus spinipes Southern Angle-headed Dragon Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephens' Banded Snake V R Hypsilurus spinipes Southern Forest Dragon Lechriodus fletcheri Fletcher's Frog R Litoria chloris Red-eyed Tree-frog Litoria pearsoniana Pearson's Green Tree Frog E Litoria phyllochroa Leaf-green Tree-frog Litoria revelata Whirring Tree Frog R Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog Mixophyes fleayi Fleay's Barred Frog E E E Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog E E E Ophioscincus truncatus Short-limbed Snake-skink, R Yellow-bellied Legless-skink Philoria loveridgei Loveridge's Frog E R Posargus ocellatus Marbled Frogmouth Saltuarius swainii Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko Saproscincus challengeri Orange-tailed Shadeskink Saproscincus rosei Rose's Shadeskink, R Orange-tailed Shadeskink Saproscincus spectabilis Spectacled Shadeskink R

Appendix C Fauna C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC Act) (TSC Act*) (NCA Invertebrates 1992) Nurus atlas Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle E Nurus brevis Shorter Rainforest Ground-beetle E Troides richmondia Richmond Birdwing Butterfly V Phyllodes imperialis southern Pink Underwing Moth E E subspecies Thersites mitchellae Mitchell's Rainforest Snail CE E

Appendix D Threatened Species Common Name C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC (TSC (NCA Scientific Name Act) Act*) 1992) FLORA SPECIES Acacia bakeri Marblewood V Acalypha eremorum Acalypha E Acronychia baeuerlenii Byron Bay Acronychia NT Amyema plicatula [syn. Amyema scandens] E E Archidendron hendersonii White Laceflower V Archidendron muellerianum Veiny Laceflower NT Ardisia bakeri Ardisia bakeri NT Arthraxon hispidus Hairy Jointgrass V V V Baloghia marmorata Jointed Baloghia V V V Belvisia mucronata Needle-leaf Fern E Bosistoa transversa Yellow Satinheart, Heart-leaved V V Bonewood Cassia marksiana [syn. C. brewsteri var. Brush Cassia E V marksiana] Choricarpia subargentea Giant Ironwood E NT Clematis fawcettii Northern Clematis V V V Coatesia paniculata [syn. Geijera paniculata] Axe-breaker E Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens Southern Corynocarpus V Cryptocarya foetida Stinking Cryptocarya V V V Cupaniopsis newmanii Long-leaved tuckeroo NT Davidsonia jerseyana Davidson's Plum E E Davidsonia johnsonii Smooth Davidson's Plum E E E Dendrocnide moroides Gympie Stinger E Desmodium acanthocladum Thorny Pea V V Diospyros mabacea Red-fruited Ebony E E Diospyros major var. ebenus [syn. Diospyros Shiny-leaved Ebony E ellipticifolia f. australiensis] Diploglottis campbellii Small-leaved Tamarind E E E Elaeocarpus sedentarius Minyon Quandong E E Elaeocarpus williamsianus Hairy Quandong E E Endiandra floydii Crystal Creek Walnut E E E Endiandra hayesii Rusty Rose Walnut V V V Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata E Floydia praealta Ball Nut V V V Fontainea australis Southern Fontainea V V V Fontainea oraria Coastal Fontainea E E Gossia fragrantissima Sweet Myrtle E E E Grevillea hilliana White Yiel Yiel E Helmholtzia glaberrima NT Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia Red Boppel Nut V V V Isoglossa eranthemoides Isoglossa E E Lenwebbia prominens Velvet Myrtle NT Lepiderema pulchella Fine-leaved Tuckeroo V V Lindaea brachypoda V Macadamia integrifolia Macadamia Nut V V Macadamia tetraphylla Rough-shelled Bush Nut V V V

Appendix D Threatened Species Common Name C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC (TSC (NCA Scientific Name Act) Act*) 1992) FLORA SPECIES Marsdenia longiloba Slender Marsdenia V E V Myrsine richmondensis [syn. Rapanea sp. Ripple-leaf Muttonwood E E Richmond River (J.H.Maiden & J.L.Boorman NSW 26751)] Niemeyera chartacea E Niemeyera whitei [syn. Amorphospermum Rusty Plum V V whitei] Ochrosia moorei Southern Ochrosia E E E Owenia cepiodora Onion Cedar V V V Pararistolochia praevenosa NT Peristeranthus hillii Brown Fairy-chain Orchid V Phyllanthus microcladus Brush Sauropus E Randia moorei Spiny Gardenia E E E Senna acclinis Rainforest Cassia E NT Sophora fraseri Brush Sophora V V V Syzygium hodgkinsoniae Red Lilly Pilly V V V Syzygium moorei Durobby V V V Tinospora tinosporoides Arrow-head Vine V V V Triflorensia cameronii [syn. Tarenna Cameron's Tarenna E cameronii] Xylosma terrae-reginae V Zieria collina V V

Number of species 33 51 36

Appendix D Threatened Species Common Name C'wealth NSW QLD (EPBC (TSC (NCA Scientific Name Act) Act*) 1992) FAUNA SPECIES Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk R Assa darlingtoni Pouched Frog V R Carterornis leucotis White-eared Monarch V Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V R Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink V V R Coracina lineata Barred Cuckoo-shrike V Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen’s Fig-parrot, Double- E E E eyed Fig-parrot Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll E V V Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk V E E Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephens' Banded Snake V R Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped Bat V R Lechriodus fletcheri Fletcher's Frog R Litoria pearsoniana Pearson's Green Tree Frog E Litoria revelata Whirring Tree Frog R Macropus dorsalis Black-striped Wallaby E Menura alberti Albert's Lyrebird V R Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V Mixophyes fleayi Fleay's Barred Frog E E E Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog E E E Nurus atlas Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle E Nurus brevis Shorter Rainforest Ground- E beetle Nyctimene robinsoni Eastern Tube-nosed Bat V Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat V Ophioscincus truncatus Short-limbed Snake-skink R Philoria loveridgei Loveridge's Frog E R Phyllodes imperialis southern subspecies Pink Underwing Moth E E Podargus ocellatus plumiferus Marbled Frogmouth V V Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo V V V Pteropus alecto Black Flying-fox V Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V V Ptilinopus magnificus Wompoo Fruit-Dove V Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove V Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-Dove V Saproscincus rosei Orange-tailed Shadeskink R Saproscincus spectabilis Spectacled Shade-skink R Syconycteris australis Eastern Blossom-bat V Thersites mitchellae Mitchell's Rainforest Snail CE E Thylogale stigmatica Red-legged Pademelon V Troides richmondia [syn. Ornithoptera Richmond Birdwing Butterfly V richmondia] Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted Button-quail V E V Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V R

Number of species 12 34 24

APPENDIX D Extract from Gympie Region Waterwatch Report 2016 – 2018

TEC and Aquatic Report FWH-04 34 Raintree Bridge

10 B Tinana Ck, WP 240, HQP, Toolara TIN380 (60 samples, 17 new) WaterWatch Grade Turbidity (11NTU) -

Temp (21.5 C)

pH (6.92)

EC (382uS/cm)

DO (62%sat)

0 50 100

Compliance (%of samples)

 Great sample size.  Dissolved oxygen compliance is low which is consistent with all other Tinana Creek sites.  Maintaining an overall grade of B (2013 Waterwatch Grade = B) over the past five years.